Celebrate the holidays with African flair
Togetherness, thankfulness and celebrating another year of life and love.
Now – as much as we love a good Netflix special and the idea of a cosy snow filled holiday, our African reality is one of summer, sun, heat and the occasional spectacular thunderstorms.
To embrace our unique continent and African hospitality, we went looking for some truly African festive celebrations.
The one thing most cultures on the continent have in common is feasting. This time of year, loved ones gather all over Africa. Whether gifts are exchanged, religious services are attended or pageants and parades are hosted, we all agree that a delicious meal makes the day.
Kenya loves a big bash
The festive season is a big deal in Kenya and culminates in one of the biggest festivities of the year. People gather in their hundreds, often traveling out of big cities to be with family. The feast never stops with mealtimes blending into each other and members of the family dance and sing around the ever-present open fire.
The typical celebratory meal is meat stew with potatoes and vegetables, accompanied by chapati or corn cake, as well as goat or cow meat on the grill.
Egypt takes it’s time
For many people in Egypt, the whole season lasts a lot longer. “Advent” starts on the 25th of November and during this time many types of food are prohibited.
Their big celebration only starts on the 6th of January, with the 7th being a feast day and the end of Advent. Egyptians celebrate by sharing joy with loved ones and feasting on all the foods they had to abstain from for the past 43 days. This includes beef, eggs and poultry.
Mzansi!
Regardless of your religion, culture or heritage, we can all agree on one thing. Braai is best! Sisha nyama is superb! Thankfully the idea of a stuffy, hot meal with European fare like gammon, roasted potatoes and other hot vegetables have fallen out of favour and even the primmest aunties have now embraced the idea of lambchops and potato salad instead of hot pot roast and baked potatoes.
Whatever your morning might include, the best way to spend your afternoon on the 25th of December, is around a fire.
New traditional South African festive food includes:
Way too much meat on the braai, mayonnaise-based salads. (Think coleslaw, noodle salad or potato salad.) Watermelon, mielies and garlic bread. Add a green salad with chunks of salty South African Feta and maybe a couple of grilled mushrooms, and lunch is served, Mzansi style.
Whatever you choose to celebrate don’t forget the real meaning of these holidays. Be together, be grateful and be merry!
Oh – sorry parents. Stop lying to the kids: you do not have to wait an hour after eating before you can get back in the pool! Ask the experts!
Also read our article on 7 Colour Sunday Lunches if you need some Christmas lunch inspiration.
