The holiday season is a special time for rest, reflection, and renewal around the world. For Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, it is also a moment of cultural expression, community, and celebration. Across various countries and communities, the season is marked in vibrant and diverse ways.

Below are a few ways the holiday season is celebrated across different African communities and countries:

In The Gambia, hunting communities, including the Odilleh and the Ekun Baba Odeh celebrate the Egereh Festival by showcasing their traditions through vibrant masquerade processions in Banjul and other major towns.

In South Africa, the holidays are often celebrated outdoors. Whether families gather at the beach, in restaurants, or poolside, the centrepiece of the festive table is almost always a braai, the beloved South African barbecue that anchors social life and celebration.

In Liberia, a central figure during the season is Old Man Bakya, who embodies the spirit of generosity. Moving through communities, he collects food and other items to be shared with those less fortunate, reinforcing traditions of solidarity and care.

In Nigeria, the holidays are synonymous with Detty December, a season defined by exuberant celebrations, street carnivals such as the Calabar Festival, family reunions, and, for many in the diaspora, long-awaited homecomings.

Across the diaspora, people of African descent often commemorate the season through Kwanzaa. First celebrated in 1965, Kwanzaa is grounded in seven major principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Together, these values emphasize cultural continuity, community responsibility, and collective renewal.

As communities across Africa and the diaspora come together in celebration, Elite Africa will take a short break and resume in January. We wish our readers happy holidays filled with rest, reflection, and joy!

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Image: Close-Up Photo of a Gift Box Wrapped With Red String. 4 December 2018. Photo Credit: Suzy Hazelwood, Pexels.

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