DAKAR, Senegal — It looks a lot like Christmas in Senegal these days, despite the fact that 95 percent of the 12.8 million residents are Muslim. Even the Grande Mosquee, which dominates the city’s skyline, is aglow in holiday lights.

‘‘When they go to school, the children learn about Santa,’’ says resident Ibrahim Lo, wearing a flowing olive green robe known as a boubou. ‘‘We are born into the Senegalese tradition of cohabitation between Muslims and Christians. What is essential is the respect between people.’’