Christmas Day Celebrations:
Date: 
Monday 25 December each year
See also HERE |
 This
time of the year is celebrated by both Christians (who are mostly
Aku) and Muslims in Gambia and takes on many forms. This time
of the year sees a proliferation of traditional local masquerades
& rites as well as Christian celebrations.
In the run up to the day hotels and other accommodation
resorts put up decorations such as
lights, tinsel and holly as well as offering special dinner menus
and events. Many will hold a fireworks show on New Year's Eve
as well.
A distinct characteristic of the Xmas festival in the Kombos and
Greater Banjul is the carnival of the Fanal
parades of small paper and bamboo boats.
Other aspects of this time of the year will see the emergence
of various dance groups and acrobats such as the Wolof's Zimba
lion dancers, Mamapara (man
on stilted legs), Kanirang, the Jola's Kumpo.
Another distinct feature of this time is the appearance of the
Mandinka Kankurang
and the Aku's parade of Gesse masks
and Hunting. They will often move along the streets hoping for
donations and often carry on their displays well into the New
Year.
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Culture & Traditions National
Holidays Religious
Festivals 
