Angola's Christmas: Unique Traditions And Cultural Celebrations

Christmas in Angola is a big celebration, with over 50% of the population being Catholic and a further 25% being other kinds of Christians. The holiday is steeped in tradition, with Angolans celebrating the birth of Jesus with a variety of unique customs that have been influenced by the local culture. From special foods to nativity scenes and gift-giving, Angolans come together to commemorate the occasion with their loved ones, marking the importance of family and unity during this festive time.

Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services

The Vigil and Christmas Day Masses are participated in by vast crowds. The main Christmas meal takes place after the Christmas Day Mass, and families with more economic resources share food with less fortunate families. On this day, all guests, invited or uninvited, are welcome. The main Christmas meal traditionally consists of 'pirão' or 'funge' (a type of polenta made with cornmeal or cassava flour) with rice, spaghetti, french fries, turkey, fried chicken, and other dishes.

In addition to Midnight Mass, there are also special church services during Advent that many people attend. On Christmas Day, even the less active Catholics go to Mass. Those who miss the chance to go to church, either because of work or over-indulgence in festivities, often end up assisting the lively televised Mass on the National Television Channel.

Traditional food, including 'pirão' or 'funge'

Traditional food is an important part of Christmas celebrations in Angola. The main meal in many homes is pirão ou funge, a type of polenta made from cornmeal or cassava roots. Funge is a staple dish in Angola, often consumed at every meal in poorer households. It is a simple, bland paste, usually served as a side dish to meat and sauces.

There are a few different types of funge, but it is typically made from cornflour or cassava flour and water. It has a gelatinous consistency and is grey in colour when made from cassava, and yellow when made from cornflour. Funge is often served with fish, pork, chicken, or beans.

Pirão, on the other hand, is more similar to polenta and is made from cornflour. It is yellow in colour and is more common in southern Angola. Both dishes are described as bland but filling and are often eaten with sauces, juices, or spicy condiments.

In addition to pirão ou funge, the Christmas menu in Angola includes other dishes such as rice, spaghetti, french fries, and fried chicken. Calulu, a traditional dish made with dried fish, vegetables, and gimboa leaves, is also commonly served at Christmas. Mufete, grilled fish with plantain, sweet potato, cassava, and gari, is another popular dish during the festive season.

Gifts and decorations

Gifting and decorations are more common in Angolan cities than in rural areas. In the cities, people exchange gifts in a similar way to Americans or Europeans. Usually, Angolans only give presents to family members and exchange Christmas postcards with friends and neighbours. Children in urban areas believe that gifts are brought by Pai Natal (the Portuguese name for Santa Claus), who leaves them under the Christmas tree or in shoes on the windowsill.

In rural areas, villagers don't always exchange gifts as not everyone can afford them. However, they sometimes give handmade gifts or essential items like soap or candles.

The nativity scene is the main decoration in most Angolan homes. Wealthier families may also adorn their homes with traditional Christmas decorations, such as stockings, festive table linen, Christmas character figurines, and tinsel.

Shops in the cities are elegantly decorated with lights, gift packages and other festive displays. The largest Christmas tree in the country is in the main square of Luanda, the Angolan capital, shining with a myriad of fairy lights.

Nativity scenes

Some prefer to purchase small, traditional Nativity scenes from shopping malls, which typically include Mary, Joseph, Jesus in his crib, shepherds, the Magi, and farm animals. These scenes are either passed down through generations or sold in malls. However, many Angolans showcase their creativity and craftsmanship by making their own Nativity scenes. Each handmade Nativity scene is unique, reflecting the artistic vision of the younger family members who craft it.

Some families opt to create only Jesus' crib, using materials like wood, cardboard, plasticine, clay, or other resources at hand. More intricate scenes may feature skilfully carved and painted figurines of biblical characters, surrounded by grass to evoke the stable setting.

The Nativity scene takes centre stage in Angolan homes during the Christmas season. Even families with limited means, who may not be able to afford other decorations, ensure that the Nativity scene is prominently displayed. This simple yet meaningful decoration captures the true essence of Christmas, reminding Angolans of the reason for the season.

In addition to the Nativity scene, Angolans may also adorn their homes with other festive decorations, such as stockings, festive table linen, Christmas character figurines, tinsel, and, of course, the ubiquitous Christmas tree.

Family time

Family is at the heart of Christmas in Angola. While the holiday is steeped in Christian tradition, it is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike, with the focus on bringing families together.

Christmas is a time for Angolans to gather with their loved ones and enjoy traditional food. Over 80% of Angolans are Christians, and for them, Christmas preparations begin in church during Advent, with Midnight Mass services on Christmas Eve. The main Christmas meal is eaten after the Christmas Day church service, and families with more economic resources share food with less fortunate families. In rural parts of Angola, families may raise animals to be slaughtered for Christmas dinner, such as cows, goats, and chickens. The meal traditionally consists of 'pirão' or 'funge' (a type of polenta made from cornmeal or cassava flour), with rice, spaghetti, french fries, turkey, fried chicken, and other dishes.

In Angolan culture, family is a broad term. Angolans believe that family includes anyone dear to one's heart, so they welcome extended family members, friends, and even neighbours to the traditional feast. There's room for everyone, which comes from the deep-rooted African tradition of hospitality.

Christmas is a summer holiday in Angola, so many people gather for a traditional festive barbecue with friends and neighbours. They also enjoy a variety of desserts, including the popular Bolo Rei cake, a Portuguese Christmas cake made with dried fruit and nuts and topped with powdered sugar and candied cherries.

In addition to the feast, families exchange gifts, particularly in cities. Children in urban areas look forward to receiving presents from Pai Natal (the Portuguese name for Santa Claus). However, kids in rural areas don't typically believe in Santa, as gift-giving is not as common there.

Frequently asked questions