What North African Country Celebrates Christmas As A National Holiday?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Of all the Christians in

Egypt

, over 90% are Coptic Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Christmas on January 7th. That's why this important day is a national in Egypt, and why Christmas is also celebrated on December 25th in Egypt by other Christian denominations.

Which North African country celebrates Christmas on January 7?

Christmas in

Ethiopia

is called Ganna (or Genna) and is celebrated on January 7th. An important Ethiopian holiday, visitors in the country can get an insight into the religious traditions and culture of the African nation. Ganna comes 12 days before the Timkat festival, another important holiday.

Which North African country celebrates Christmas?


Senegal

does celebrate Christmas despite being a Muslim dominated country.

Do they celebrate Christmas in Nigeria?

Christmas in Nigeria is a

family event

, a time when lots of family members come together to celebrate and have fun. … Many families will throw Christmas parties that will last all night long on Christmas Eve! Then, on Christmas Morning, they go to church to give thanks to God. Homes and streets are often decorated.

Which countries officially celebrate Christmas?

  • 1) Germany. Germany is responsible for the origin of Christmas trees, as devout Christians began the tradition in the Middle Ages. …
  • 2) Poland. …
  • 3) Russia. …
  • 4) Japan. …
  • 5) Norway. …
  • 6) China. …
  • 7) Spain. …
  • 8) Brazil.

What is Christmas called in Africa?


Kwanzaa
Significance Celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture. Celebrations Unity Creativity Faith Giving gifts Date December 26 to January 1 Related to Pan-Africanism

What is Santa Claus called in Africa?

Santa Claus is also known as

Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) & Kersvader (Father Christmas)

for people who speak Afrikaans (which has a base in Dutch).

How does Ethiopia say Merry Christmas?

(Merry Christmas in Amharic, Ethiopia's national language) In Ethiopia, Christmas is called ‘Gena' and it means ‘a day of glory'. The naming of the day as Gena has a direct connection with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do Rasta celebrate Christmas?

Ethiopian Christmas (7th January)

Christianity has existed in Ethiopia since 330 AD, and Rastafarians regard blacks as the Jews of the Bible. Ethiopian Christmas is marked by a

large feast

. The food eaten is vegetarian or vegan in keeping with Rastafari food laws.

What is Christmas like in Ethiopia?

The Christmas celebration in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is called

Ganna

or Genna. Most people go to Church on Christmas day. Many people take part in a special Advent fast during the 43 days before Christmas. It starts on 25th November and is known as the ‘Fast of the Prophets' (Tsome Nebiyat).

Is Nigeria a safe country?

There is a

high level of crime throughout Nigeria

, including armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, home invasions, carjacking and violent assault. Criminal activity is high in urban areas, including the city of Lagos, as well as on the northern border with Niger and Chad.

Is there a Santa figure in Africa?

Not Everyone Believes in Santa Claus

Some countries in Africa don't believe in a fat guy in a red costume, riding on his sleigh and crawling up openings in your house to leave you . In Liberia,

Santa is

replaced by Old Man Bayka, who is also known to be a devil.

Is there Santa Claus in Africa?

Not everyone believes in Santa Claus


Santa isn't a continent-wide African Christmas tradition

. … This basically means “please give me something nice for Christmas”. Also, some people in Ethiopia and Egypt don't believe in Santa Claus, while in Kenya, Santa is depicted as arriving on a camel or bike instead of a sleigh!

Where is Christmas banned?

The public celebration of Christmas has been banned in the tiny

oil-rich Islamic state of Brunei

since 2015, with anyone found violating the law facing up to five years in jail or a fine of US $20,000, or both.

What countries dont recognize Christmas?


Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan

, North Korea, Libya, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday.

Which country celebrates Christmas the most?

Rank Country 2021 Population 1

India

1,393,409,038
2 United States 332,915,073 3 Indonesia 276,361,783 4 Pakistan 225,199,937
Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.