A West African Christmas
A West African Christmas
1. THE LEAD-UP TO CHRISTMAS IN GHANA
In Ghana, the Christmas season doesn’t begin just a few days before the 25th of December. Instead, the excitement starts building much earlier, often from the start of December. The streets of cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi come alive with colorful decorations, Christmas lights, and the sounds of festive music. People are busy shopping for new clothes, food, and gifts, and the energy in the air is vibrant. It’s not just about December 25th—Ghanaians start preparing for Christmas well in advance.
The rhythm of Christmas is felt everywhere, from the bustling markets to the homes, where families start making plans to come together. Families often travel long distances to reunite, as Christmas is seen as a time to share love, joy, and gratitude. The whole community becomes involved in the celebration, with both Christians and non-Christians partaking in the festivities.
2. THE ROLE OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
At the heart of Christmas celebrations in Ghana is family. The Christmas holiday is a time to bond with loved ones, celebrate togetherness, and honour traditions. It’s also a time for giving, and many families exchange gifts to show appreciation. However, A West African Christmas isn’t just about the immediate family. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers are often invited to join in the celebrations.
For Ghanaians, Christmas is a communal event. There’s a shared sense of togetherness, and the spirit of hospitality is evident. In the days leading up to Christmas, many households are filled with the smells of delicious food being prepared. Families begin to get ready to serve their guests with a feast that could easily rival any Western holiday spread. Check out our Bolga platters, a colourful addition to your Christmas table!
3. GHANIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AND FOOD
When you visit a Ghanaian home during Christmas, you can expect to find a hearty spread of local delicacies. While each region has its own take on the holiday feast, some dishes are common across the country. A Christmas meal in Ghana typically includes jollof rice, fried rice, goat meat, chicken, fufu, and light soup.
One of the most beloved dishes during the holidays is jollof rice, a savory, flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. It’s often paired with fried plantains and grilled meat. The goat meat—tender and well-seasoned—is a particular favorite, especially during festive times. You’ll also find chicken grilled or fried to perfection, served with side dishes like banku and fufu (fermented corn dough and cassava dough, respectively). These dishes are usually enjoyed while gathered around a table with family, reflecting the importance of togetherness in Ghanaian culture.
But the food isn’t the only thing that makes Christmas in Ghana special. Music and dancing play a huge role in the celebrations. From church services to home parties, the rhythm of Ghanaian music is infectious. Whether it’s the highlife, hiplife, or gospel music, everyone gets up to dance and join in the fun. There’s no better way to feel the warmth of the season than through the sounds of Ghanaian drumming and live music. Instruments like the djembe, talking drum, and balafon bring the celebration to life with their powerful rhythms.
If you’re thinking about bringing some of that African musical energy into your own celebrations, African Drumming offer a great selection of instruments to get you started. You can find drums like the djembe or dundun, which are popular in Ghanaian festivities. These instruments connect with the spirit of African culture, whether you’re drumming alone or with a group of friends.
4. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC AND DANCE
Music and dance are essential to any celebration in Ghana, and Christmas is no exception. Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, where they sing hymns and traditional gospel songs. The music is often accompanied by lively dancing, which is one of the most fun aspects of the holiday.
A common instrument used in Ghanaian Christmas celebrations is the djembe. This drum, with its deep, resonant sound, is perfect for creating a sense of unity among a group of people. If you’re interested in the music of Ghanaian Christmas celebrations, and want to incorporate African drumming into your holiday festivities, consider checking out some authentic instruments here. Whether you’re looking for drums or other percussion instruments, these sites can help you bring the joyful rhythms of Ghana into your celebrations.
One of the most memorable parts of Ghanaian Christmas celebrations is the drumming circle, where friends and family gather in the evenings to play traditional rhythms. This is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday with a real taste of Ghanaian culture.
5. TRADITIONAL CLOTHING AND FESTIVITIES
In Ghana, dressing up for Christmas is an important part of the celebration. People often wear their best clothes, and it’s common to see families sporting matching outfits. Traditional fabrics such as kente (a colorful silk and cotton fabric woven into beautiful patterns) are a popular choice for Christmas attire. The vibrant colours and intricate designs symbolize richness, culture, and pride, and they add to the festive atmosphere.
You might also notice that many people, especially in the countryside, wear fans (used during cooking or festivals) as part of the celebrations. These fans, made from straw or natural materials, help cool food or keep everyone cool during warm festivities. They symbolize Ghanaian hospitality. Even on a hot Christmas day, they remind us of the warmth of family and community.
If you’re looking to find these traditional fabrics or unique Ghanaian fans to your own holiday, be sure to visit our store to explore a wide range of clothing and accessories we have available.
CHURCH SERVICES AND PARADES
Church is another key aspect of Christmas in Ghana. Most Ghanaians attend church services to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas Eve services are especially significant, with a lot of singing and praising. Many churches also organise parades, where people march through the streets in their festive best, singing songs and celebrating their faith.
For those who love the energy of parades, it’s a vibrant and exciting experience. You’ll often hear the rhythmic beat of drums, the cheer of the crowd, and see colourful costumes as people come together to celebrate. It’s a joyful expression of unity and faith that is integral to Christmas celebrations across the country. You may even spot our bright coloured African Masks at the parade, as they are worn often as a symbol of new life and celebration.
A WEST AFRICAN CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER
In Ghana, Christmas is so much more than just a holiday—it’s an experience. From the delicious food to the lively music and dancing, every aspect of the celebration reflects the culture’s emphasis on family, community, and joy. Whether you’re in the heart of Accra or in a small village, you can be sure that the Christmas spirit is alive and well, brimming with excitement and togetherness.
So, if you’re thinking about adding a touch of West African flair to your own holiday celebrations, why not explore the world of Ghanaian drumming, music, and clothing?
Visit our Bashiri store online or African Drumming for more ideas on how you can bring the spirit of a West African Christmas into your home. After all, Christmas is about connection, joy, and spreading love. What better way to do that than with the infectious rhythms and vibrant culture of Ghana?