In the African country of Eritrea, nestled in the Horn of Africa, the holiday of Christmas Day is celebrated with a unique cultural twist. This day marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian Religion and it is a public holiday in Eritrean, much like in many countries worldwide. Being a predominantly Christian nation, it holds deep historical and spiritual importance. It falls on the 7th of January due to the country's use of the Julian Calendar, which is different from the more internationally recognized Gregorian Calendar.
The Christmas Day celebrations in Eritrea are typically embedded in religious and traditional customs. Many devout Orthodox Christians participate in a period of fasting leading up to Christmas Day. When this fast ends, people attend a night-long church service that culminates in the celebration of Christmas. These church services involve sacred liturgy and hymns, often marked by spiritual singing and drumming.
Food and family gatherings are also principal parts of the Christmas Day celebration in Eritrea. Post-service celebrations often involve attending a large family feast where everyone comes together to break the fast. Traditional meals include dishes like injera, a type of flatbread, and meat stews. It's a day where communities strengthen their bonds, celebrate their common faith, and propagate love and understanding. To many Eritreans, Christmas Day is not just a holiday but a deep-rooted part of their cultural and religious identity.