Have you ever wondered what Christmas means to African immigrants who live in other countries like The United States Of America o The United Kingdom? Will they take the 12 grapes or will they have their own customs to say goodbye to the year? Discover what are the traditions they keep alive on these dates despite being far from their home countries.

The African diaspora opts for family reunions

Although these celebrations do not have the pomp and glamor that they lavish in Europe and America, the African diaspora does not renounce its essence. Family reunions form the center of their festivities. It is the ideal time to share a table with friends and other relatives, organizing their own banquets.

The favorite plates are those made with rice and ram, beef or poultry. There is no shortage of nuts and spices to complete the menu of the most special nights.

Each country is characterized by its own customs. The natives of the Ivory Coast meet in one of the houses where friends from the host country also come, each one brings typical delicacies and gifts are given to the children. Others, such as those from Nigeria, will make religious offerings in advance.

Talking to their family back home is among the main needs of immigrants.

Not everyone can share a table with their loved ones. Therefore, one of the main needs of immigrants is to speak with those they love the most, but who are thousands of miles away.

New technologies favor that contact. The usual thing is that those who live outside the borders of their countries send mobile recharges or data to those who remain there to connect. Talking with the family on the phone or greeting each other through video calls helps to make absences more bearable.

Flowers and music against the economic waste of the first world

While the countries of the first world prepare for the Christmas holidays by making a significant financial outlay year after year, on the African continent these holidays are more austere. Immigrants live them with less expense . However, more and more, they are forced to join Western customs, especially to satisfy their young children born in Europe or the United States.

They put the accent on the music they sing from their early childhood and on the most colorful flowers. There are also variations of the Christmas fir tree and houses are decorated in a Western style.

Gifts in the form of delicacy

Truly exquisite recipes become the most common gift on these dates. Friends and family give delicacies that will later be shared at those banquets that bring together their loved ones.

Those of Ghana will opt for the fufu; those of the Gambia and Senegal for couscous and ram. And the typical sweets will be present in all the celebrations.

This is Christmas for African immigrants , a time when sharing unforgettable moments with family and friends makes the nostalgia they feel when they are away from their land more bearable.

From Baluwo we wish you have a happy holiday season and we invite you to use our platform if you need to provide help to your family back home.

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