The Invisible Children office has been a busy place this year. But post-tour and post-MOVE:DC, we have been dedicating our time to celebrating and reflecting with our Roadies and interns before the end of the fall semester. We recently spent some time talking with our beloved Ugandan Roadies about what they are most excited about upon their return back home. What was the most popular topic? Christmas! Read on for an exclusive interview with Mariajose, Amos, and Jane about why they can’t wait to celebrate Christmas in Uganda…
What is Christmas like in Uganda?
Mariajose: Christmas in Uganda is a VERY big deal. It is a huge feast. People are on holiday and taking the time to enjoy themselves and do everything they don’t normally have time to do like traveling, having fun, going to the beaches. We cook a lot of food such as “bo” which is boiled vegetables with okra and pasted with g nut sauce (like peanut butter). People really celebrate and respect the holiday. Lots of food, lots of fun, and a celebration of human connection.
Jane: People save money starting in January for Christmas celebrations and then finally Christmas comes and everyone cooks a feast and is able to wear their new clothes that they have been saving for. Everyone comes together to cook and celebrate with their neighbors. There will be a lot of dancing with great Christmas songs – traditional and gospel. It’s a community celebration. If you go to Uganda during Christmas the cities are completely empty for a week because everyone is with their families in their home villages.
Amos: To people like me and Quinto we get Christmas day as a day for our families. Where we use our resources to make them happy – with food and gifts, you name it. In some places we celebrate for a full week – from Christmas to the New Year.
What is your favorite Ugandan Christmas tradition?
Jane: Everyone goes to church together – even if you don’t go to church everyday you always go on Christmas. The church will be full and all of the newborns will be baptized.
Amos: Being a person who comes from an extended family, we choose one place where everyone comes to celebrate so we can all be together.
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