A Christmas Like No Other

Celebrating the festive season in Zanzibar

While much of the world associates Christmas with snow and crackling fireplaces, Zanzibar offers a unique take on the festive season with the holiday spirit thriving under the sun. We asked families how they celebrate.

It has been a busy year for Jake, Hanna, Evelyn and newcomer Zia, the family’s second daughter born in May. But now, as they all settle around dad Jake Magness in his favourite arm chair, the atmosphere suddenly changes. It becomes quiet, even solemn. “It is our family’s tradition to exchange books as Christmas presents, and to read the story of Jesus coming to earth”, Scottish-born Magness, 32, explains. His wife Hannah says: “The festive season is surely different in Africa, we celebrate it together with friends of all denominations. Instead of a turkey we might have Arabian pilaw or lamb.” And with a big smile, she adds: “We turn the air conditioner up and drink hot chocolate to feel more like in the northern hemisphere.”  In Tanzania and Zanzibar, it’s not uncommon for Muslim families to join their Christian friends for a festive meal, demonstrating the warmth of community and shared humanity. The Magness family with three-year-old daughter Evelyn and baby Zia have celebrated almost all festive seasons in their chosen home away from home, in Africa, working as ordained ministers for the protestant church here. For three years they have lived in Fumba Town, where Jake assists Anglican Pastor Nuhu during the recently established Sunday services on the rooftop of Pavilion mall.

New flavours and colours

In Africa, Christmas celebrations are as diverse as the continent itself. Spanning 54 countries and countless cultures, the holiday takes on new flavours, colours, and traditions. In Fumba Town, people of more than 60 nations live together. 

For many Christians, Christmas is a deeply spiritual occasion just as Ramadhan – approaching in March 2025 – is for Muslims. At the St. Joseph Cathedral in Stone Town, a usually packed midnight service brings together mainland Christians and the local Goan community. “During Christmas we miss home”, says Hannah Magness, 33, “where almost everybody is celebrating it.” Reflecting on the topic, she adds: “It must be similar for Muslims in the West celebrating Ramadhan and feeling like a minority there.” The most important aspect of the festive season for her is the spiritual and not the material side. “Let’s not look at the things that separate us but what brings us together.”

Snow-man on the beach

“Last year we built a snowman of sand on the beach”, Jake Magness recalls. Every year in Fumba, the Kwetu Kwetu market comes alive on the first Saturday of December with bright fabrics, handmade gifts and the aroma of freshly cooked street food.  Shops and restaurants in Zanzibar city and most beach hotels display Xmas trees. Live music events usher in the New Year (see: “Events & presents” classifieds below). 

Decoration from Hindu shops

When it comes to decorating, “one has to be creative”, says Hannah Magness who buys her Xmas lights and tinsel in Indian shops in Stone Town around Maru Maru Hotel. But this year the Magness family calls itself lucky. Visiting friends will bring candy cane sticks and cookies. In return, Jake Magness will take them for “scuba-diving in Kizimkazi or Matemwe”, while Hannah has her lamb recipe already worked-out, “roasted in the oven, with garlic, butter and feta cheese.” Looks like all is set for a delicious and vibrant Christmas under tropical skies! 

BOOKS 4 THE SEASON

Pamper your loved ones (or yourself) with books from the Fumba Town Library.

• The library hosted author Stephanie Fuchs, and has signed copies of her autobiography, ‚Masai Story‘ in both English and German available.

• For kids aged 12+, Malorie Blackman classic ‚Noughts and Crosses‘ comes as a series of six, all available at the library.
• The perfect festive bedtime story: In ‚Santa Selfie‘ by Peter Bently, Santa is determined to skip Christmas. Can‘t decide? A membership for the library with 2,000 books is  a nice gift, too. IG: fumbatown.library