Mocambique HOYE!!!

Ceremonies in Mozambique are always the same. Holidays are celebrated by going to the plaza and singing songs while leaving flowers for the fallen president of independence. These are usually followed by cultural presentations and a speech by the mayor. I went to every ceremony the first year and sat through the many dances and speeches. Nowadays, I find myself less motivated to go because the monotony of the ceremonies. Mozambique is not a fan of change and they really love to celebrate their past by doing the same thing. I, of all people think that tradition is important, but sometimes here it is taxing. Also, these dances and presentations are on a stage in front of a line of important people- ‘the chefes.’ The presentations are faced towards them and not the crowd. They face the wrong direction. I don’t like that they celebrate by dancing for the important people and leave out the whole rest of the community.

Holidays are a bit different than other celebrations. For example we went to a graduation that looked  more like a wedding. The guests sang as the graduate drove through the village honking and making a scene. 

Then they sang as she entered the reception (and I mean they SING- this is like a 2 hour ordeal). 

Then they sang as she entered the
 dining area and took her place. 

Then when the guests were all seated we waited 2 more hours for more singing and speeches. Then we finally got to eat, but this also has a certain order.

First, you can have some snacks, then you head to the buffet line and load up. Next you can finally quench your thirst with a soda. Then when everyone is finished there is a cake cutting ceremony with more singing and then they finally serve the alcohol and the cake.  By this time everyone can finally relax and the ‘party’ can start. 

We chatted and danced a little and then more singing commenced as people began to present her with presents. A party that was supposed to start at 2pm (actually started at 4pm) and lasted until 10pm. The guests mostly seem to wait around and get hungrier and hungrier. 

The wedding, baptism, and various birthdays were all celebrated in the same exact way, but with different levels of classiness depending on money available. Some had huge wedding style cakes while others had homemade banana bread. I have enjoyed being part of these parties and experiences. However, I will be glad to head back to America and encounter some diversity like karaoke, pinatas and pizza!!!

We have tried to introduce some of our traditions within our community. Every birthday we celebrate by having only cakes and sodas (we don’t have dinner!! Such a surprise!). We play musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, and limbo. Last time all of the women came over and taught us a Mozambican card game. This was an awesome cultural exchange and a good way to bond with the wives of our colleagues.