Christmas, a time of love, vibrant colours, infectious rhythms, and a unique celebration of culture is upon us again. Even though traditionally, the colours for this season of merrymaking and gift-sharing are red, green and white, all colours are in sight for this annual commemoration among billions of people around the world.
The energy in Accra during this period is always unreal! The streets light up with decorations that scream festivity, and it’s as though the city has donned its brightest outfit for the occasion.
The John Evans Atta Mills High Street to the frontage of the Bank of Ghana is a spectacle with all those lights. It creates the feeling of a Christmas wonderland.
There are illuminated shapes of Christmas presents, camels, and Santa Claus and a giant inscription that greets road users with “Merry Christmas”. Various Christmas carols are playing in the background on repeat and if you listen with your inner ear, you’ll hear the streets themselves humming along with the spirit of the season.
Heading down Independence Avenue to the African Union Circle takes one right into the middle of a fairytale with all the bright lights. It creates a feeling of being part of a Christmas storybook.
The entire roundabout has been decorated with shapes of Santa, and the three wise men on camel backs. It is akin to the biblical tale of the three wise men. These locations in the capital have become a magnet for people to stop and capture the moment on film.
The buildings and trees along the road to the Ako Adjei roundabout have also been turned into a magical scene with all the lights and decorations. It creates a euphoric moment for anyone who passes by – a stark reminder of this religious and cultural season upon us.
The Ako Adjei roundabout already stunning with its life-size murals was further enhanced with various Christmas decorations. It was like a double treat.
Pedestrians and Drivers slow down to take in the entire scene in awe and soak in the festive spirit.
Pedestrians like Abigail Odonkor were thrilled with the storytelling decorations ahead of the symbolic birth of Christ in some parts of Accra.
She said that in December each year, she decorates their home with the help of her husband and two children as it has been a tradition from her childhood.
Gideon Quaye said Christmas was all about love and family hence the need to decorate to put everyone in the festive mood despite whatever they were going through.
And so, the word on the street to all, is spread the message of love and compassion, create traditions and build memories – top it up with togetherness and family bonding this season and always.
