Preparing for Christmas concerts or Christmas tree celebrations has become a tradition for churches, especially Catholic and Reformed (FJKM) congregations in Mahajanga and across the country. Since the beginning of the month, Sunday school students (sekoly alahady) from various FJKM parishes in Mahajanga, particularly the Ziona Vaovao parish in Mangarivotra, have already begun preparations for the Nativity celebrations.
“Rehearsals for Christmas carols and sketches depicting the birth of Jesus Christ are at the heart of our Sunday afternoon sessions, held from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Hundreds of toddlers from the Sunday school, starting from age 3, have signed up to participate. The children love playing the roles of angels, the Magi, the Christ child, and the shepherds. We distribute treats at the end of the show, which is scheduled for the afternoon of December 25th. Rehearsals start three months in advance because we don’t have much time, and some children are slower learners,” explained Eulalie Lucette, a deacon and K5 class teacher at the Sunday school.
For Christians, especially the faithful of the Reformed Church, the weekend is primarily dedicated to various religious activities. This includes choir rehearsals for Sunday services, particularly for the choirs and the STK (Christian Youth Branch). Saturday afternoons are reserved for weekly meetings, such as the Feo Mahafalin’i Ziona (FMZ) from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Children’s clubs, the Solofo choir, and the English club also meet on Saturday afternoons.
For the family of the president of the Sampana Tanora Kristiana Zokiny (STKZ) branch, every weekend is entirely devoted to church rehearsals. “Like the Sunday school, the STKZ branch is also preparing a Christmas concert, scheduled for the second Sunday of December. My daughter (alto or first voice) and my wife, who is a choir director, are both members. Family outings are rare. Our weekends are spent at the church on both Saturdays and Sundays, all day long, especially during this final quarter of concert preparation,” testified Zava, president of the STKZ.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-24 06:23:43 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/weekend-la-preparation-des-concerts-de.html