Christmas in Ghana
"Afrishiapa"
In Ghana Christmas celebrations begin on Christmas Eve. Ghaneans put on their best clothes have a western style dance and decorate the streets with palm leaves. Even cars and taxis are decorated with them!
On Christmas morning rich, festive food is sent out to friends and neighbours. Then people put on traditional dress and go to church. There is a procession of choirs making their way to the church all singing carols loudly. The highlight of the service is a very special sermon given by the priest. After church the families exchange Christmas greetings before going to visit relatives.
The Ghanean Christmas is a great family time. Presents are exchanged. The most popular are the Gem biscuits with coloured hard icing. Dinner is a very big affair with the best food provided and much drinking. After dinner the children come round the houses wearing masks and fancy dress. They are given biscuits or money. In the evening much dancing in the streets to the beat of drums takes place.
