Christmas in South Africa: Music

South Africans have embraced the custom of attending outdoor, candlelit, sing-along caroling concerts on Christmas Eve (see also Christmas Carols). These concerts, known as Carols by Candlelight, began as an Australian Christmas custom and later migrated to South Africa.

Music is an important component of Christmas festivities for many South Africans. Some go caroling from door to door on Christmas Eve. Others form Christmas bands that play in the streets during the last few days before the holiday. Traditionally only men and boys participate in this custom. The groups wear matching uniforms whose purchase is financed through their various fundraising activities.