The Scandinavian Insider

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For many Africans living outside the continent, observing Christmas is much more then welcoming the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a time to enjoy African solidarity and, more importantly, celebrate their culture.  Malmö, like many Swedish cities with a sizable African population, will have its share of parties this joyous season. Liberian publisher, Charles Massaquoi, who has made the city his home for the last 10 years, believes Africans will make merry as they have been doing for years. “This season will not be different from others,” he says. “Every year,” he remarks, “Africans use the Christmas to get together and have a good time. For us we don’t just hold a get-together party but we also catch up with old friends. You will see people you have not seen for years at those parties.” These gigs come in different packages, but the most flamboyant are those held by nationals from the West African nations of Ghana and Nigeria. Wearing the latest in traditional attire Ghanaians and Nigerians, after satisfying their appetites from a long line of African dishes, dance to the hottest African sounds till the wee hours of the morning. Since this is a family event, there are games and other activities to keep the youngsters happy while the elders do their thing. “At most African parties, you will find young people who can sing and dance so it then also becomes a talent show,” he adds. Those who do the best dancing moves sometimes win prizes.” Massaquoi is really moved when he sees non-Africans getting down at these outings. It cheers him because Swedes generally celebrate Christmas with immediate family members. “So if you do not have a family, you get to celebrate alone. When they come and have fun with us, they get to live a different, new, and enjoyable experience,” he notes. Long-time Malmö resident, Tony Sarpong, who hails from Ghana, and his pals start the celebrations early. By December 23rd all is set. The hall has been booked, music arranged and food bought. Sometimes, he avers, party-goers are asked to pay a small fee to offset cost but maintains that the overriding aim of the gathering is to “makes ourselves feel that we are back home in Africa.” “Christmas in Africa is a wonderful time,” he stresses. “Although we cannot exactly recreate that feeling here, we do our best to enjoy the day because it is never a good thing to be alone during this period.” http://sosmag.se/index.php/1314/