What do South Africans call Christmas?

Christmas in South Africa is known as "Kersfees" in Afrikaans and "uKhisimusi" in Zulu. South African Christmas traditions are influenced by a blend of European and African cultures.

How do they greet each other for Christmas in South Africa?

South Africa, known as the "rainbow nation," is a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages, boasting 11 official languages. Extend your warm wishes in the local languages with these festive greetings: Afrikaans: 'Geseënde Kersfees' (Merry Christmas) & 'Gelukkige nuwejaar / Voorspoedige nuwejaar' (Happy New Year).

What is Christmas Eve in South Africa?

This is one of the most-loved Christmas traditions in South Africa. Christmas Eve is a time for carols, flaming fruit pudding, and waiting for Santa. Midnight church services and special shows like Carols by Candlelight are hosted in many cities.

What is Christmas in Africa?

Christmas in Africa isn't so different from Christmas all over the world – with the cloud filled with celebration, families reunited, carols being sung, and jingle bells ringing out loud. In Africa, Christmas is the time when families in different parts of the world reunite.

What do Africans celebrate instead of Christmas?

History and etymology. American black separatist Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 during the aftermath of the Watts riots as a non-Christian, specifically African-American, holiday.

South Africans celebrating Christmas with friends, food and fun

What is Santa called in South Africa?

Santa goes by a few names in South Africa, including Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) and Kersvader (Father Christmas) for those who speak Afrikaans.

Do you celebrate Christmas in South Africa?

Christmas Day is a public holiday across South Africa. The day after Christmas – 26 December – is also a public holiday and is known officially as the 'Day of Goodwill' although many people still refer to it by its previous name of 'Boxing Day'.

How do they say Merry Christmas in Africa?

Kiswahili is spoken in many countries in Africa such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda. "Heri ya Krismasi" means Merry Christmas in Swahili.

What do Kenyans call Christmas?

It's another day of celebrating, seeing more friends and family (or sleeping!) In Swahili/Kiswahili (a language spoken in Kenya) Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Heri ya Krismasi' and the response is 'Wewe pia' (you also). In the Maasai language (also called Maa or Kimaasai) it's 'nchipai e Kirismas'.

What is Christmas called in Zimbabwe?

Since the country is located south of the equator, Kisimusi, or Christmas is celebrated December 25, during the broiling hot summer.

Is Christmas big in South Africa?

Twinkling lights, jingling bells and flaming puddings... South Africa at Christmas isn't so different to Christmas back home. The holiday may sit in the middle of summer, but South Africans don't scrimp on festive traditions – in fact, they're embraced with the same spirit as their wintery counterparts.

Does Santa come to South Africa?

Although the Tracker say that Santa will only be here at midnight in South African Christmas tradition he comes earlier. In South Africa some people open their Christmas Gifts on Christmas Eve and some people open their Christmas presence on Christmas day.

What is typical South African food?

What is the traditional Christmas dinner in South Africa?

Gammon, a traditional Christmas main course in South Africa, is a type of cured ham typically glazed and roasted. It's often served with a sweet and tangy glaze made from ingredients like honey, mustard, and orange juice. The key to perfect gammon lies in slow roasting to ensure the meat is tender and flavourful.

Who is the gift giver in South Africa?

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of The Gift of the Givers Foundation, has appealed for negotiations, compromise and peace in the Middle East. The respected South African aid organisation has had a presence in Gaza for nine years. Gift of the Givers doesn't have an office in Gaza.

What is Christmas called in Uganda?

Christmas in central Uganda is called Sekukkulu , and is celebrated on 25 December. Sekukkulu , the birth of Jesus Christ, begins on 24 December with a “watch night” service. Christmas carols and church bells can be heard all across the country. Churches are well lit with Christmas lights and all kinds of decorations.

What is Christmas in Botswana?

Many people attend church services, exchanging well wishes and gifts. The day is often marked by community events, parties, and acts of charity. Overall, Christmas Day in Botswana is a time of reflection, gratitude, and coming together to celebrate the holiday spirit.

What does Canada call Santa?

Pere Noel (France/Belgium/Canada)

How do you greet Christmas in Afrikaans?

Geseënde Kersfees, merry Christmas in Afrikaans. Festive greetings in Afrikaans from South Africa!

What is one fun fact about Christmas in South Africa?

On Christmas day in South Africa, people also visit family and friends and often choose to go to the countryside to enjoy the summer sun. Those who stay in the cities, like to take their dinners out to their verandas and gardens or organise a “braai” (South African barbeque).

Does Cape Town celebrate Christmas?

In Cape Town, we have sunny Christmas days at home or even at the beach! Just because you're on holiday doesn't mean you have to miss out on the holiday celebrations, so we have a list of fun and exciting things you can do on Christmas Day. Take a drive down Adderley Street to take in the glittering Christmas Lights!

Are special clothes worn on Christmas in South Africa?

Clothes among African people in South Africa form a significant part of the Christmas celebration. Traditionally, every year parents in different areas of South Africa buy their kids sets of clothes for Christmas celebrations. These brand new clothes are worn on Christmas day and New Year's day.

How do you say Santa in Afrikaans?

Afrikaans originally comes from Dutch, even Santa. Claus is called “Kersvaders” in Afrikaans!