African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Celebrating Easter in Africa the 1994 Public Holidays Act

Celebrating Easter in Africa the 1994 Public Holidays Act

South Africa has an almost 80% Black-African ethnic group and the majority of South Africans practice the Christian faith.


Baptism is a Christian ritual of importance and significance.

Many Christians in South Africa celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.


The Easter weekend in South Africa begins with Good Friday and closes with Family Day, more commonly known as Easter Monday, on Monday, April 6, 2015, this year. 

 On December 7, 1994, Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress worked together to create The Public Holidays Act. In 1994, the South African Government renamed Easter Monday to Family Day to include all religions and the non-religious in the Rainbow Nation of South Africa. 

South Africa's homeland policy was dissolved in 1994 and all the homelands in the country were absorbed into South Africa.


The former Republics of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei were also known as homelands or Bantustans that were supposedly created to allow Black South Africans to govern themselves, but in reality, denied any opportunity to participate in South African politics by losing their South African citizenship.
The Dutch Reformed Church is a Christian denomination

 Post-apartheid in 1994, South Africa has a government including all races and is often referred to as the rainbow nation which is a phrase coined by 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu. 

 South Africa has an almost 80% Black-African ethnic group and the majority of South Africans practice the Christian faith; Protestant 36.6%, Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, non-religious 15.1%.
Did you know?
The Public Holidays Act of 1994 repealed the Public Holidays Act of 1976, of the former Republic of Transkei homeland, Public Holidays Act 1978 and 1979 of the former Republic of Bophuthatswana homeland, Public Holidays Act 1980 of the Republic of Venda homeland and Public Holidays Act 1981 of the former Republic of Ciskei homeland. 

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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