It is the holiday season and the spirit of celebration fills the air in Kigali. Families and friends have gathered to exchange gifts, share meals, and partake in the rich cultural traditions that define Christmas in the city and the whole community of Rwandans. Whether attending church services, enjoying delicious local cuisine, or simply relishing the spirit of togetherness, the city truly embraces the essence of the holiday season. The New Times on December 25, embarked on a journey through the city to capture the vibrant preparations, celebration and excitement that engulfed the town in various areas. ALSO READ: The festive season is here, but there is also tomorrow One bustling hub that caught our attention is the Nyabugogo bus terminal, teeming with thousands of eager individuals going and others awaiting transportation to their hometowns with most of them going upcountry. Amongst the crowd, conversations flowed as we engaged with passengers, ticketers, drivers, and agency personnel. Speaking with passengers, they showed a heartwarming tale of family reunions, with many making the journey to their villages to partake in the cherished festivities surrounded by loved ones. Modeste Myasiro, a 63-year-old grandfather and father of four residing in Karongi district, said he was in Kigali visiting his son. He expressed his eagerness to return home for the festive celebrations with his family, sharing traditional drinks such as the local beer ‘Urwagwa’ and ‘Ubushera’, alongside various foods that include beans, soya, and potatoes. Despite enjoying his time in Kigali, he emphasized the peace and contentment he finds in the village, which is why he is excited to return and enjoy the festivities with friends and family there. ALSO READ: Festive season 2022: Christmas and village vibes For, Christian Ishimwe, a 24-year-old photographer living in Kigali for a year due to work, is on his way traveling to Uganda. Despite the separation from family and friends, the longing to see them signifies care, he said. “In my family home, they are farmers, and I am looking forward to assisting them on the farms. I miss the sight of maize, beans, and bananas growing there,” he added. He also said: “Family holds an irreplaceable importance.” Reflecting on a good year, Ishimwe hopes to inspire fellow youth to strive harder for greater achievements ahead. ALSO READ: Draped in festive colours: Kigali catches Christmas fever However, amidst this festive season, concerns emerged regarding ticket sellers. We delved into the practice of illegal ticket selling, uncovering instances where tickets sometimes are sold at high prices. Malik Mugenzi, a ticketer at Kigali Coach Agency, emphasized their strict measures against the practice of purchasing multiple tickets by a group known as ‘Abakarasi’. “We are enforcing a one-person-one-ticket policy, making individuals queue and receive tickets individually. This approach aims to deter reselling or obtaining tickets for others, which often leads to challenges in identifying the culprits,” he said. Mugenzi pointed out that those they recognize well are unable to acquire tickets due to the involvement of that illegal business, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and detrimental to their reputation. They urge vigilance among customers to avoid falling for deceptive practices, while also highlighting the consequences for agency personnel involved in such illicit activities. ALSO READ: Festive extravaganza: Top events in Kigali for the long weekend Furthermore, our exploration led us into bustling shops in the morning, particularly in Nyabugogo and Nyarugenge markets witnessing the frenzy of Christmas shopping. Shelves are brimming with a variety of goods, particularly food items. Notably, individuals are stocking up on essential ingredients such as vegetables, food recipes, and various culinary necessities in generous quantities, illuminating the significance of traditional feasting during the holiday season. Beyond food, a multitude of other festive essentials adorned the shelves, readying households for the forthcoming celebrations of New Year 2024.
