Hundreds of families gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) public square on Christmas Day evening to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during a family-focused entertainment event. ALSO READ: KCC public square to host 10-day festive season events The event featured DJ-mixed music, artificial fountain shows, children’s games, appearances by Santa Claus, as well as food, drink, and merchandise vendors. The event provided an opportunity to reunite, spend quality time with their children, and allow them to interact freely with their peers in a safe public space. “Christmas is not about spending a lot of money,” said Aline Mukamana, who attended the event with her two children. “What matters most is being present for them. When you give children time, they feel happy.” ALSO READ: Festive fun awaits children in Kigali Also present was a mixed Egyptian–Rwandan family that said Rwanda’s welcoming and festive atmosphere makes it their preferred place to spend Christmas. “In Egypt, Christmas is not widely celebrated the way it is here,” said Mohamed Hassan, an Egyptian national married to a Rwandan. “In Rwanda, there is a strong family spirit, and children get to enjoy the day openly.” His wife, Husna Mwiza, added that events like these allow children to celebrate without pressure on parents to overspend. “You realise that making children happy does not require expensive gifts. They just want attention and moments like this,” she said. ALSO READ: Christmas Day babies bring pride, gratitude to parents Vendors said the high turnout reflected growing public interest in family-oriented celebrations. “There are many families today, and that helps our business,” said Jean-Claude Nkurunziza, a food vendor at the venue. “But beyond that, the mood is good. People are relaxed and enjoying themselves.” As the event came to an end, many families were hesitant to leave. Mothers could be seen gently soothing their children, some of whom were crying and refusing to go home, their faces still painted from the children’s activities earlier in the day.
