eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'eastafricatraveltips_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',113,'0','0'])); Although many Christians take this holiday as a perfect time to get away from work, it is not just about the time off. Easter celebrations in Africa are quite similar to the ones in the west however, there are a number of key differences in the way Easter is celebrated in Africa vs the way it’s celebrated in the West. During your research, you might have stumbled upon the fact that Kilimanjaro is a... Hi, I'm Antony Njoroge & I enjoy traveling around my beautiful country (Kenya): especially the National Parks. For many Ghanaians, Easter is the time that the country becomes Africa’s hub of art and sports. The church services put a strong emphasis on commemorating them through prayers and songs. In Kenya, where I live, have not seen any reenactment at the level of what they do in countries like the Philippines. Visiting Relatives: African families are really close-knit and visiting each other is a good way of maintaining this bond. Not only the churches but also streets and parks are packed with people. Overall, he was one of the important figures who unified the Christian world about Easter customs. Although each African country implements its traditional cuisine, the common denominators of an Easter meal in Africa are rice, meat (lamb or chicken), and veggies. Here are some traditions and rituals that are common to all the African countries celebrating Easter. Mombasa’s massive street markets sell crafts and food-related to Easter tradition in Africa. They mostly wear black during the Good Friday to mourn the suffering and the death of Jesus, while white is the preferred color for Easter Sunday. Thus, traveling to the beach is among the Easter traditions that are practiced by … Africa is more than just safaris. Diani Beach is one of Kenya’s most beautiful destinations, and a five-time winner of the coveted title of ‘Africa’s leading beach destination.’ If you are looking for an otherworldly and warm Easter vacation spot, Diani beach is your best bet. So you may have wondered, How is Easter celebrated in Africa? We’ve been on the hunt for some particularly eggs-cellent events over Easter in South Africa, from the stunning Cape Peninsula to the Little Karoo desert and to the very top of Table Mountain. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. They share special food with Christians and non-Christians indulging in boiled or roasted rice with meat or chicken. Most of us are pretty broke after spending a lot of money traveling and visiting family so it marks the start of work after play. However, the main reason they are organized is for family members to socialize and catch up. Over 100 000 chocolate treats will be hidden throughout the complex and each treasure hunter is to be issued with a hunting map. Baptism is another important part of the Easter tradition in Africa. South Africa recorded 235 deaths on the roads during the Easter holiday, figures released by the Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula showed Thursday. The roads remain a lot quieter this weekend, with millions of people within the Nairobi metropolis locked up following Covid-19 travel restrictions. ), Check out the Keen Hiking Shoes on Amazon, Lens Rentals have a great Safari Camera Kit, best Safari Camera for a Beginner like Me. Churches are decorated with traditional clothes called Vitenge and Kanga that have patterns of flowers and butterflies. In Africa, Easter brings decades of a religiously held culture with the church being at the centre of it all. I have lived in Kenya all my life and I would love to answer this... Is Mt Kilimanjaro Active? Easter in Africa Easter is the oldest Christian festival, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ worldwide. Some authorities find the rituals overly Africanized and not fitting in the spirit of Easter, while others argue that it is only natural because these traditions have existed long before Christianity came to Africa. The vigils usually take place between 3-6 PM. Family gatherings consist of music, dance, lots of food and speeches. Africa is a big continent. Parties: For those who are able to, Easter is marked with parties where people visit their friends and relatives and share a meal. Easter Sunday … There are small differences, though. Every year, Easter Vigil starts on the preceding Thursday and involves a daily ritual of prayer and song lasting from 3-6 PM. Join Africa’s biggest Easter Egg hunt in Durban. I’m not Catholic myself and so I’m not intimately familiar with how this goes, but the position is led by a priest who leads people to make prayers as they walk along the street. Celebrating Easter in Africa With over 70 million Christians in Africa, Easter is an important holiday that is celebrated in a number of countries. Easter is celebrated by all Christian African countries through going to church and taking time away from work. It is also possible to see traditional dancers outside churches, accompanied by drum beats. Also, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates it roughly two weeks later than the West because of this fasting period. In the African Christian setting, the lent period which is 40 days before Easter prepares Christians for the ‘crucifixion, death and resurrection” of Jesus. In Africa, Easter has a social dimension as well as a spiritual one. These gifts range from books and clothes to boxes of easter eggs. uShaka Marine World in Durban, a spectacular complex comprising, amongst others, the world’s fifth largest aquarium, is the site of Africa’s biggest Easter Egg hunt this year. Crowds gather to watch the drama unfold – and you can join them! Restrictions for Easter Weekend In South Africa. Here is a video of my recent review of Nairobi National Park. I have visited Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Kilimambogo, Ngong, Nairobi National parks and nature preserves. Although there are many churches in South Africa who follow Western traditions, there are also ones that have retained the African traditions, such as African Zionist churches. Because the preparations for the genocide’s memorial clash with the Easter holidays, the celebrations are kept at a minimum level. It refers to Palm Sunday, which is when Jesus entered Jerusalem to bring peace. His ascend into Papal Chair was in 189 AD, which saw a lot of disagreements about the way Easter was celebrated. This special meal is something between lunch and dinner, taking place in the late afternoon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is because most of sub-Saharan Africa is predominantly Christian and even though most of the population is not very religious, I still enjoy having a few days away from work. Enjoy a completely different experience and plan a special Easter vacation in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Topline : South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in another “family meeting” on Tuesday evening that although the country will not be moving from Alert Level one, heavy restrictions would be … Hanno Labuschagne 30 March 2021. 15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa for Vacation [+ Images]. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, Your Go-To Resource for African Travel Destinations. Here's what you need to know about a long weekend in March, and the dates for Easter 2021. These emotive processions tend to last for hours and take over entire neighborhoods, with locals dressing up to take part in the action. Africa Easter holiday is less than a month away, and millions of Christians all over the world have been waiting to commemorate the sufferings, sacrifices, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I have not seen any African country that has a kind of reenactment that some of these Asian countries have. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'eastafricatraveltips_com-box-4','ezslot_2',112,'0','0'])); Easter is celebrated on the same day in Africa as it is in other parts of the world. (And Should You Be Worried? Skyscanner’s daily flight deals up to 55% off. If you are looking for Easter holiday packages in Kenya, then the fantastic Diani must be on your list. For instance, Easter Sunday has been renamed Family Day by the government so that churches of all denominations would be willing to join. Church Service. These may either be road trips or visits to relatives who were last seen during Christmas. In Africa, Easter means a long weekend, which creates a perfect opportunity for a large family gathering. Helping people in need is a huge part of the Easter tradition in Africa. That’s why baptism is a common practice in African countries during Easter. Happy Easter - Southern Ground Hornbill found an egg in Kruger National Park in South Africa Easter in the African countries where Christians are the majority is celebrated with the following markers: There are no meals that cut across all the different countries during Easter. Simply put, only some of the Christians were practicing the fast of lent, while some of them focused more on the sacrifice of lambs and the feast afterward. No, it is not. Fasting is crucial in many African countries, but Ethiopia takes the lead. In the meantime, Mombasa experiences one of its peak times with many families staying at the resorts. Easter is an important holiday for many African Christians since it helps them remember the death and resurrection of Christ. African people always attend church services from the Thursday before Good Friday – which marks the death of Jesus – until the end of Easter Sunday – marking his resurrection. About 24% of Africa’s population practices Christianity and in the countries where the population of Christians is the majority, the Easter holidays are a big occasion on the calendar. During their church services, members of the Zion Christian churches perform a traditional dance called Mkhukhu, which involves a lot of stamping on the foot. Easter this year is bound to be a dull quiet affair without much in the way of celebration. Gifts. This is an important ritual in the celebration of Easter since the holiday is supposed to be a solemn one that involves prayer and reflection. The first mention of the bunny in German writings was in the 16th century… Easter in Ghana is also the time many people migrate to Kumasi and Lake Bosomtwe in search of tranquility, while people from ethnic groups like Kwehu visit their elderly family members to pay respect. Such practices are especially common in churches of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Dating back to history, Easter holds a special place in the hearts of Christians, more so the Catholics where the genesis of Easter began centuries ago. For those that are not very religious, Easter is usually an opportunity to travel across to the village to visit relatives or go on short holidays to national parks, beaches, and other tourist attractions.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'eastafricatraveltips_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])); Many African communities value family and meeting together. South Africa doesn’t do Easter by halves, so lick your lips, loosen your belt and prepare for some real Rainbow Nation eggs-travagance. The businesses follow their regular opening hours for Sunday. Having lived in East Africa my whole life, I share my personal experiences and knowledge with the goal of helping you optimize your East African Safari and make it an unforgettable expereince. If you are planning to visit Kenya any time soon, you might have wondered if Kenya has Internet and whether WIFI is easy to find. © 2021 East Africa Travel Tips. The period before Easter Sunday is called Lent. Related ContentAfrican Christmas: Do People Celebrate Christmas in Africa?15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa for Vacation [+ Images]What are the Main Tourist Attraction in Africa?The 15 Safest Places to Visit in AfricaUltimate Travel Destinations in Africa. After they have been to the Easter Eve service the family returns home to break their fast and later in the afternoon, they share the main celebratory meal of the day. What are the Main Tourist Attraction in Africa? The one activity that is practiced across all the African countries that celebrate Easter is attending church services on Good Friday and Easter Monday. So, it should not surprise you to see the beaches packed with families and friends carrying African Easter baskets. Learn more about Lydia and Louisa and why they started Africa Wanderlust. However, the delicacies that we enjoy in Kenya would be: eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'eastafricatraveltips_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',110,'0','0'])); These are the delicacies enjoyed on special occasions in Kenya and in that grain, the meal that is considered delicacies in the African country celebrating Easter is likely to be the meal prepared in Easter. If you are planning to visit Mt. I have lived in Kenya all my life and I would love to answer this question. Get away from the somewhat overrated and commercialized travel destinations and take a trip to Africa where you can witness the Zebra Migration or see a rainbow light up the sky above the … Easter Weekend is observed worldwide by Christians commemorating theCrucifixion of Christ and His rise resurrection. Meat being very scarce and expensive in Africa, the laws of … The coastal city of Kwahu hosts the annual Paragliding Festival that employs paraglider pilots from all around the world. Because people consider Easter as the time of rebirth, baptism can be associated as the act of washing away one’s sins to create a new being. One wild water buffalo grazes on the green field in Africa. Internet & WiFi in Kenya (A Complete Tourists' Guide). African communities take pride in their Easter traditions and make huge efforts to keep them alive. "Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Labor day: this holiday doesn’t mean too much to most people apart from the labor unionists who have processions. Easter is celebrated by all Christian African countries through going to church and taking time away from work. Your kids will love you for this as their tickets also include … Over the next 35 days, we've got two public holidays coming up. In this article, I will go into a bit of detail about how Easter looks like in Africa and some of the traditions that accompany it. Eastern Africa, part of sub-Saharan Africa comprising two traditionally recognized regions: East Africa, made up of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda; and the Horn of … So, friends and families prefer to celebrate Easter at the beach. Just like the rest of the world, the Easter period carries sentimental value for African nations. During these meetings, Victor I also suggested that the Asiatic Christians should celebrate Easter on Sunday like the rest of the world. Contrary to the Western-style celebrations, Easter tradition in Africa involves a lot more communal activities, especially in rural areas where people live in clustered traditional houses. Also, South African Easter meals, especially the ones in Cape Town, have distinct tastes, such as hot cross buns and pickled fish – which was initially a Cape Malay meal. "According to the preliminary figures, 189 crashes were recorded, resulting in 235 fatalities nationwide," said the minister. Despite Easter being a religious holiday, it is also regarded as a … The Anglo Saxon custom of boiling and painting eggs, the symbols of new life, most likely originated in Germany. From widows to single mothers, from school children to the ones suffering from illnesses, many underprivileged people receive gifts from those who are in better conditions. The Ministry of Health in South Sudan has advised the Catholic Church against proceeding with plans to reopen churches during the Easter holidays. Some of the links contained in this website are affiliate links and I will make a commission from any qualifying purchases. In this article, I will go into a bit of detail about how Easter looks like in Africa and some of the traditions that accompany it. It all starts with 56 days of fasting, during which no meat or dairy products are consumed (Source). The party may involve a barbeque. All Rights Reserved. … Victor the first, was one of the four black African popes in the history of the Catholic Church. just like the rest of the world,  we will mark Good Friday and Easter Monday. The coastal towns and cities fill up with festivities, from street artists to competitions, from water sports to concerts. Here is a video of my recent review of Nairobi National Park. Many professing Christians take Easter as an opportunity to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with God. In South Africa, observation of Easter is unique to each Christian denomination and has seen a distinct mixture of African and Western rituals, with the likes of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) which holds pilgrimage annually in their holy sight, Zion City Moria in Limpopo. Kilimanjaro like I am, you must have been doing a lot of research about your climb. Both Christians and non-Christians come together to indulge in roasted chicken, goat, and rice dishes. (And Should You Be Worried?). Nigeria is one of the African countries that brings festival vibes to Easter. If you want to visit Ghana, remember Easter would be a great opportunity to conquer your fear of heights and falling. Prior to the vigils, the churches must be decorated with traditional clothes having patterns of butterflies and flowers. Then, Victor I, called a meeting of Bishops to convince some of them to follow the fasting tradition. African Christmas: Do People Celebrate Christmas in Africa? Compared with 2019, In Ethiopia, Easter or "Fasika" is one of the most revered holidays and is celebrated after 56 day period of fasting where no meat or animal products of any kind are consumed. After the ceremonies, many people rush home to start preparing the meals, while some people stay at the churches to prepare communal meals that everyone – regardless of religion and background- are welcome to join. For many city dwellers in Africa, Easter is an opportunity to travel away from the city to see relatives or go on road trips. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A lot of African Christians are Catholics and during Easter day will be a procession that demonstrates the way of the cross. Unlike many other African countries celebrating Easter, Rwanda’s version of Easter is reminiscent of a tragedy in the past. SOUTH AFRICAN EASTER - If you ever wondered what Easter was like in South Africa then here you go! Easter Monday: Monday after Easter Sunday: Austria: Easter Monday: Bahamas: Easter Monday: Barbados: Easter Monday: Belgium: Easter Monday: Belize: Easter Monday: Benin: Easter Monday: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba: Easter Monday: Bosnia and Herzegovina: Easter Monday (Catholic) Federation of B&H: Botswana: Easter Monday: British Virgin Islands: Easter Monday: Burkina Faso: Easter … Your email address will not be published. Christians believe Jesus was raised from the dead three days after his crucifixion some 2,000 years ago. With busy city life and work commitments, the only time most families have to meet are holidays like Christmas and Easter. Millions of Orthodox Christians are celebrating Easter Sunday, but many have been urged to observe the commemoration of Christ’s resurrection from … Easter Sunday is not a public holiday. Water buffalo in the wild safari at Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, Easter Central Africa Happy Easter - Southern Ground Hornbill with an egg. However, since most people work during the weekends, that Saturday is not normally considered a public holiday and people will report to work for a half day’s shift as usual. What’s also fascinating is the impact of African traditions on modern Easter. Officials, tasked with the responsibility of halting the spread of coronavirus pandemic, said lockdown measures exist to slow down the transmission of the virus. It is derived from the name of Eostre, the goddess of spring and fertility. I love traveling around Kenya when I get off from work and this website is a great way for me to share my local knowledge and tips that will help you travel well in East Africa. Easter traditions in South Africa are no different than those in the rest of the continent. Your email address will not be published. Apart from Easter, here are a few other holidays that we celebrate together with the rest of the world: Although many of the Christian holidays are celebrated in Africa, there are a few popular Western holidays that are not: As you prepare for your trip to Africa, I would like to recommend a few products that would help make your life easier. Easter is Pasaka in Swahili, iPasika in Xhosa, i-Easter in Zulu, and Paseka in Sesotho. Before assuming that name Easter had been referred to by the term Pascha or derivatives thereof which stem from the festivals Jewish origins. Check Out: 40 Reasons Why Kenya is A Great Place To Visit. Similar to the history and culture surrounding Easter in the UK, the Germans also refer to the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring (Eostre) in their naming of the festival – referred to as Osternin German. The church choir practices the hymns to sing one last time. For many city dwellers in Africa, Easter is an opportunity to travel away from the city to see relatives or go on road trips. link to Internet & WiFi in Kenya (A Complete Tourists' Guide), link to Is Mt Kilimanjaro Active? Families would normally organize get-togethers where they get to interact and bond with. The first reference to the festival as Easter comes from around the 7th and 8th century in England where Christianity had replaced pagan traditions. Easter Sunday: Observance: Apr 5: Monday: Family Day: Public Holiday: Apr 27: Tuesday: Freedom Day: Public Holiday: May 1: Saturday: Workers' Day: Public Holiday: May 9: Sunday: Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) (Tentative Date) Muslim: May 9: Sunday: Mother's Day: Observance: May 13: Thursday: Ascension Day: Observance: May 14: Friday: Eid ul Fitr (Tentative Date) Muslim: May 23: Sunday: Pentecost: … Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Out of town Trips: Many of the city dwellers take advantage of the long weekend to plan a long trip away from the city. Tourist Attractions in South Africa: The Rainbow …, South Africa Packing List For The Rainbow …, Eastern Cape Accommodation: What To Do and …. Kenya Safari Cost ( A Detailed Guide With Examples). If you want to observe and compare the extraordinary ways of Easter celebrations, Africa should be on your list. In addition, many churches and houses get decorated with palm branches. Having lived in East Africa my whole life, I share my personal experiences and knowledge to help you optimize your East African Safari and leave you with unforgettable memories of the time you spent here. Common Africa Easter Traditions Family Meals. If you want to take a look at the Easter holidays from an African perspective, here is everything you need to know. An even more important way of gifting is donating to disadvantaged women and children. The processions are different from the processions I see in some Asian countries where the death of Christ is re-enacted. In Nairobi, you can see a lot of families hiking at Karura Forest and having a picnic. Hi, I'm Antony & I'm from Kenya. This year on April 4, many American Christians will celebrate Easter — the oldest and most important holy day of the Christian calendar. East Africa or East of Africa is the eastern sub-region of the African continent, In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 19* territories make up Eastern Africa:. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'eastafricatraveltips_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',114,'0','0'])); Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. We don’t want to dive in too much detail, but we still believe there is a name worth mentioning when it comes to the foundations of Africa Easter. The main service consists of reading Bible verses, singing hymns, and traditional dance performances. The Easter holiday usually falls between the months of March and April. On Sunday, people dress in white and join a massive feast for a traditional meal called Doro wot, which consists of spicy chicken stew, Injera bread, and honey wine. Special COVID-19 lockdown rules for Easter in South Africa. When we talk about gifting during Easter in Africa, we are not only referring to the exchange of gifts amongst family members. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. The church services consist of prayers, readings of Bible verses, and singing. Not only that, but it takes on a new meaning with the blend of African traditions. Kenyan cuisine stands out with the spicy grilled meat called Nyama Choma, and Ugali, which is a maize flour porridge specific to Kenya. Easter is celebrated across Sri Lanka, with numerous Passion Plays re-enacting the crucifixion of Christ, in vibrant live theatre shows. People give particular attention to the way they dress. Chapatis (flour doe flattened out and Cooked over a flat pan), Nyama Choma (goat meat, or beef Barbecue). Required fields are marked *. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I created this blog to help travelers find their way around beautiful Kenya and East Africa and have the adventure of a lifetime. Its population as of 2016 was 1.2 billion. April 7, 1994, marks the beginning of a civil war, where over a million Tutsi people were massacred during the RPA/F rebellions. Depending on where you come from, easter is a popular holiday that has its traditions. Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan are members of the East African Community EAC.The first five are also included in the African Great Lakes region. The capital city Accra takes the lead in celebrations as the host of the annual Easter Comedy, which brings in famous stand-up comedians from all over Africa. When it comes to Easter in Southern Africa, you are simply spoilt for choice! In Africa, Easter means a long weekend, which creates a perfect opportunity for a large family gathering. Most African countries south of the Sahara celebrate Easter and have it as a public holiday on their calendars. It falls on Sunday, April 17, 2022 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in South Africa. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.". Church service is perhaps the most crucial part of Easter in Africa, and the most spiritual. These months are reasonably warm in most parts of Africa. Church service is perhaps the most crucial part of Easter in Africa, and the most spiritual. In Africa, the most common practice during Easter celebrations is the church service held between 3 and 6 pm. Especially in Germany, children are happy about colorfully painted Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies that the Easter Bunny has hidden for them. Kenya is another country that brings in different forms of feast and entertainment. After Easter mass, celebrants partake in dances and lavish meals. Last but not least, South African Easter Eggs are quite popular, and people use it as a way of engaging people in celebrations by organizing egg hunts at homes and offices. During lent, Ethiopian Christians avoid any animal products, such as meat, eggs, butter, milk, yoghurt, cream and cheese. Now that we have covered the common practices during the Africa Easter, it is now time to get more details from specific traditions of some African countries. The motherland is full of rich culture, diverse heritage, unique experiences, and of course, outstanding food. March and April are reasonably warm months in the majority of African countries celebrating Easter. At Easter families come together. Igbo people living in Southern Nigeria have a distinct masquerade dance called Mmo, where young men dance in colorful costumes and masks to commemorate their ancestral spirits. New year’s: the New year’s Eve and New year’s holiday marks the end of the Christmas festivities for most Africans. 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