How often do you get to spend
Christmas in a beautiful tropical country against a backdrop of sandy white beaches
& the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean? For some it’s a once in a
life-time experience, but it’s often asked how Christmas is celebrated in our
parts, so we’d like to share.
There are approximately 350 million
Christians in Africa & Christmas is celebrated throughout the African
continent. In Mozambique, along with the indigenous religions, the main religions
practiced are Christianity & Islam as a result of the cultures that have
dominated the country throughout history. Whilst the Arab traders introduced
Islam, the Portuguese made it one of their missions to spread Christianity in
the 1400’s. Statistically, 60 percent of the Mozambican population practices
a form of traditional indigenized religion, 30 percent are Christian, and about
10 percent are Muslim.
The strong Christian presence means that
Christmas is a special & reverent time.
In the bigger cities such as Maputo, there are large Catholic cathedrals
which hold traditional midnight Christmas Eve ceremonies where age-old carols
are sung. Additionally, decorations are hung & celebratory dances held,
often with elaborate traditional costumes.
Good to know:
.
- Ø Christmas Day is also called Family Day in Mozambique.
- Ø A dove (symbolizing peace) and a cross form Mozambique's logo for the Christian Council, and this symbol is often found on trees during Christmas time each year.
- Ø Gifts are given at Christmas but the holiday is not quite as commercial as it is in Europe or America, with a new set of clothes for the Christmas church service being a most popular gift.
- Ø Various international organizations operating in Africa make sure that the very poor receive food donations to make the day special.
- Ø Unless you're in the mountains, there's little chance of having a white Christmas in Africa!
For us, close to the coast, Christmas Eve dinner at
Casa Rex includes popular seafood delicacies & inherited Portuguese favorites.
Lunch on Christmas Day is sumptuous with
more time-honored fare such as ham, turkey, lamb roast & all the trimmings
just to give those far from home a taste of the traditional. Finished, of
course, with a decadent sweet!
Check our website next week for our full
Christmas menu. Casa Rex’s a la carte restaurant is open throughout the
holidays & it is essential to book early. Call us on +258-293-82048
No need to worry about over-indulging – there’s
always lots to do to work it off – from a simple walk along the beach as the
sun sets, to the more adrenalin-inducing activities & water-sports that the
area has to offer in the days that follow…
However you choose to spend it, we take this
opportunity to wish all our guests, business colleagues & you - our readers
– a fun-filled & memorable holiday season.
Boas Festas from sunny Vilanculos & we hope
to see you in the New Year!
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