In Zanzibar, Christmas is celebrated by the Christian minority, which makes up about 3–4% of the population, as the majority of Zanzibaris are Muslim. However, Christmas is still a festive time enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Here’s how the locals typically celebrate Christmas:
Church Services: Christian communities on Zanzibar attend special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These are usually held in Catholic and Anglican churches, such as the Christ Church Cathedral in Stone Town. The services are joyful, featuring lots of singing, music, and dancing, with the churches beautifully decorated.
Family Gatherings and Meals: Like elsewhere, Christmas is a time for family on Zanzibar. Families come together to share meals, spend time together, and exchange gifts. Traditional dishes like grilled fish, pilau (spiced rice with meat), and fresh fruit are commonly served.
Festive Atmosphere: In Stone Town and other larger areas, there are often Christmas decorations, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. Small, privately organized celebrations and events are also common.
Music and Dance: Many celebrate Christmas with traditional songs and dances. These festivities often blend Christian customs with local African traditions, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Tourist Influence: Since Zanzibar is a popular holiday destination, tourists bring their own traditions, further shaping the festive season on the island. Many hotels and resorts offer special Christmas events, buffets, and activities for their guests, which are sometimes attended by locals as well.
Although Christmas is less widespread on Zanzibar compared to countries with predominantly Christian populations, the way it is celebrated reflects the island's warm, hospitable, and multicultural spirit.
Christmas in Matlai
There are three types of visitors:
those who want to escape the Christmas hustle and bustle in their home country,
those who prefer to spend the holidays in warmer climates,
those who do not celebrate Christmas but use the festive days for a vacation.
Everyone is welcome here! We offer a 6-course menu on request, which can also be served in our restaurant to non-hotel guests with prior reservation.
New Year's Eve in Zanzibar
New Year's Eve in Zanzibar is celebrated in diverse ways, blending local traditions, tropical charm, and international influences. Here are some common elements of the island's New Year celebrations:
Beach Parties: Zanzibar’s beaches are often the backdrop for large New Year’s celebrations. Hotels, resorts, and bars host parties featuring live music, DJs, and traditional Ngoma dances.
Culinary Experiences: Many restaurants and resorts offer special New Year’s menus, often including fresh-caught fish and seafood paired with cocktails and tropical drinks.
Cultural Performances: Some venues present traditional Taarab music or performances featuring local dances and drumming, showcasing the island's rich cultural heritage.
Celebrations in Stone Town: In Stone Town, the historic capital, smaller street parties bring locals and tourists together. Some hotels and bars in the area host exclusive events with stunning sea views.
Religious Reflection: As Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim community, not all locals celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Western style. For many, it’s an evening for reflection or spending time with family.
Private Gatherings: Many locals and visitors welcome the New Year in smaller, more intimate settings, whether it’s a barbecue on the beach or a relaxed evening in their garden.
New Year’s Eve at Matlai
Our guests are invited to an exclusive multi-course barbecue at our Zatiny by Matlai Restaurant. Afterward, we gather on the beach, where everyone, along with some of our staff, dances around a bonfire to the rhythms of traditional drum music. Guests can also enjoy a performance by an acrobatics group. Our head butler, Hashim, is one of the talented acrobats and never ceases to amaze us with his incredible skills.
The New Year is welcomed - in Matlai tradition - with a special fire, champagne, and a cake.
The combination of a relaxed island atmosphere, cultural diversity, and international influences makes Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Zanzibar a truly unique experience!