Christmas in Ghana begins from 20th December and lasts till the 1st week of January. Many people travel on this occasion to meet their loved ones. as we speak, the national capital Accra is filled with human movements and traffic.
The Christmas festivities coincide with the cocoa harvest, which adds more celebrations in the country’s atmosphere. People who work far from home come back to celebrate with their families. In schools, children celebrate by making paper ornaments.
About 66 languages are spoken in Ghana; you will hear variations of carols on Christmas Eve. On Christmas eve, an outdoor parade is led by the local musicians. At night time, celebrations start at church, where children perform a festive drama or a nativity play. Families and friends also come together to feast! the main dishes are rice, chicken, goat, lamb, and fufu. Fufu is a staple food common in Ghana, produced from different pieces of cassava and green plantain flour.
People dress up in bright traditional clothing during the Christmas Day church service. Young children then collect Christmas chocolates, sweets, or new clothes before heading home for another big festive dinner.
Even on December 31, many Ghanaians go to church to thank God for sending Christ and hope for a good and safe New Year. They also use the time to remember those who died last year and pray for them.
Ghana’s Christmas Facts
Father Christmas
Father Christmas (Santa Claus) is a staple in children’s lives around the world. He is recognized by his white beard and cherry red suit worldwide–except in Ghana.
Ghanaian children know a Father’s Christmas, or Papa Bronya, like someone wearing sandals and a beautiful red dress in golden fabric. A standard African patterned sash and a white cloak with a hood complete his ensemble. The gifts given by Father Christmas are also different. Ghanaian children get tasty things to eat instead of gifts.
Christmas Diet
What diet?!
Expect to gain a few extra pounds, typically you will be eating from four and five meals a day and treats in between is common at Christmas.
Most people become “obolos” by eating so much food. It is a term used to describe an individual who, in a short time, gains weight. Even if some families don’t have the means to have cook fancy meals, neighbors and friends will be inviting each other to join in on a set buffet throughout December’s two-week celebrations.
Christmas trees in Ghana
While in Western culture, Christmas trees are popular in homes, but in Ghana, they are not a common sight. Locals would instead use their money to buy more food than a Christmas tree for their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts.
Accra, the capital city of Ghana, boasts the most significant Christmas celebrations. However, you can also find grand festivities taking place in other towns such as Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, and Ashiaman.
