Christmas in Zimbabwe is celebrated with a blend of traditional and unique customs that make the holiday season vibrant and special. Community spirit is also very strong especially during this time with people coming together to share joy and support one another. People in the cities look forward to being with their relatives in the rural areas. Many would visit their hometowns bringing with them gifts for the elders and children. In many household, food will be aplenty as Zimbabweans slaughter goats and chickens during this season.
Here are some of the unique Zimbabwe Christmas traditions:
Church Services: Christmas day often begins with a church service. This is a time for families to come together, sing carols, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. The children usually wears their best clothes and shoes on this day, and super excited for the merriment that is sure to come when it’s time to visit friends and relatives.
House-to-House Visits: A distinctive Zimbabwe Christmas tradition and custom is visiting friends and relatives’ homes on Christmas Day after attending church service. Zimbabweans looks forward to sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the company of love ones.
Loud Music and Dancing: Zimbabweans love their music, and Christmas is no exception. It’s common for people to set up large speakers outside their homes and play music loudly. This isn’t limited to Christmas carols; it includes the latest pop hits and traditional African music. Definitely a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary tunes.
Decorations: While some Zimbabweans use traditional European-style Christmas trees, many decorate their homes with plants and ivy. The main room of the house is often the most elaborately decorated and often times, the ceiling is wonderfully decorated with ivy.
Christmas in Zimbabwe features a variety of traditional foods that make the holiday special. Here are some of the key dishes:
Chicken with rice is a popular dish during Christmas in Zimbabwe. Chicken used to be a luxury item, making it a special treat for the holiday.
Other special food prepared on this day includes sadza, this is a maize-based staple, similar to polenta, and is a common accompaniment to many meals. During Christmas, it is often served with meats like beef, chicken, or goat, and vegetables.
Another favorite dish for the holiday is nyama yekugocha, this is a traditional beef stew wherein the beef is slow-cooked with vegetables and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish that the whole family can savor.
Fruits are also serve. Since Christmas falls during the summer in Zimbabwe, there is often a spread of seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and bananas for dessert. Another fave sweet is chikenduza or candy cake, which are sweet, yeast-based cakes topped with a bright pink icing. Sweet potato cake spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is a festive favorite.
These dishes reflect the rich culinary traditions of Zimbabwe and add to the festive spirit of Christmas.
The festive season ends with the New Year which is also celebrated with merriment and lots of food sharing.
Merry Christmas, Zimbabwe!!!
Here is how to Say Merry Christmas in Zimbabwe
Izilokotho ezihle zamaholdeni! (Ndebele)
Muve neKisimusi! (Shona)