The Edina Bronya is a novel Christmas introduced to the people of Elmina during the Dutch era of the colonial period.

The period coincides with the Dutch Festival which falls on the first Thursday of January every year and marked in Elmina to signify the bond of friendship between the Dutch and the people of Elmina.

A fish-catching ritual is performed at the banks of the Benya Lagoon by the Asafo Companies in their full regalia. The Paramount Chief and his retinue are present at the banks and musketry is fired.

On the eve of the festival, the Paramount chief climbs up Fort St. Jago and fires shots at midnight to usher in the New Year. The Paramount Chief rides in a Palanquin the next day to pay homage to the various clans.

Libation is poured using locally prepared wine and there is sprinkling of mashed yam as well as shaking of hands with family heads to signify peace, prosperity and good health in the com- ing year.

The paramount Chief and his elders conv- erge in front of Elmina Castle where a sheep is slaughtered. There is merry making, drumming and dancing throughout.