December 2011
Merry Christmas

Christmas day is an important day that is celebrated in Mfangano island.
The celebration pattern vary as per the cultural and spiritual way of life of people.In mfangano island the day is marked with different activities. Both the cultural and spiritual aspect of the community  are observed during the period.
the people usually spend three day while celebrating the day that is  from the eve of xmas to the boxing day . men women and children eat ,drink and dance together. prior to the day a meeting is called to budget and allocate the venue of feasting .
The venue is rotational as per the seniority in the clan. The cultural aspect is in the preparation of the local beer called ''busa ''. This is done by the grand mothers from barley and wheat . The beer is served in a pot and people drink using wooden straws in turn.This mainly to show unity in the clan.The role of first born sons is seen when they carry tradition stool to the drinking venue for the their fathers
On the xmas day persons dress smartly hence its important for every household to buy a new dress for the occasion.
On the eve of xmas people spend the whole night in  churches to welcome the birth of Christ The night is marked by song ,dances and plays all night.
The dead are being  appeased by pouring some food and beer to the ground.There is strong belief that the dead lives among us then it equally important eat with them.
The Mfangano people have big hearts cos those who have nothing to eat during the occasion are welcomed.
Its my pleasure to welcome all and wish the friends of karibureve happy chrismas and prosperous new year.

Tom Mboya Otieno, local coordinator.