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Djibouti Christmas Eve

by Aakash Singha

Christmas Eve in Djibouti is celebrated by a handful of Christians in Djibouti. It is celebrated mostly at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.


Djibouti, officially known as the Republic of Djibouti is a country located in the “Horn of Africa.” The culture here is multi-ethnic, and thus, people here celebrate numerous festivals. Despite a small Christian population (as the major is Islamic), Christmas is celebrated in Djibouti on December 25, each year. The Christian communities brought the festival here and it is celebrated with pomp and glory.

There are many traditions the country witnesses during the holiday. Be it the midnight prayers, or listening to the children’s choirs, the green conifers and the church decorations, supported with plenty of lights and candles– bring out an ethereal glow.

The choirs and songs that are sung on Christmas in Djibouti are usually performed in different languages like Arabic, Somali, and Afar. All the members with faith in Christianity, and who belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church unite in Djibouti to perform religious services. Numerous other western traditions are followed, yet the unique feature that remains is – the religious services are performed two weeks later, on the 7th of January.

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