The festive season in Nigeria is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. For many, it is also a season of movement—a time when families, friends, and entire communities travel back to their hometowns to reunite and celebrate traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The excitement of these trips, the anticipation of seeing loved ones, and the nostalgic pull of one’s roots create a unique and heartwarming experience that defines the season for millions of Nigerians. Among the many tribes in the country, the Igbo people are particularly renowned for their dedication to returning home during the festive period, transforming the roads into vibrant, bustling arteries of travel and culture.
Every December, the highways leading to the southeastern region of Nigeria come alive with an unmissable energy. Vehicles packed with families, luggage, and gifts snake through cities and towns, inching closer to ancestral homes. The journey itself becomes a part of the festive celebration.
Children chatter in the backseat, asking how much longer, as parents recall childhood trips to the same villages. Roadside vendors sell corn, plantains, suya, and drinks, offering moments that break up long drives. These stops aren’t just for food—they’re about enjoying the shared travel experience.
For many Igbo families, the trip back home is more than just a physical journey; it is a spiritual one. The family house, often an ancestral compound, holds a special significance. It is where generations gather to celebrate Christmas, share meals, and partake in age-old traditions.
The joy of stepping into these compounds, often filled with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, is truly indescribable. For children raised in urban areas, it is not only a chance to connect with their roots but also an opportunity to hear stories from elders and, consequently, understand the values that bind their families together.
Various activities mark the festive period in these Igbo towns and villages. Church services are central to the celebrations, with families dressing in their best attire to attend midnight Mass or Christmas morning service.
The sounds of hymns and church bells fill the air, gently reminding everyone of the season’s spiritual significance. After the church service concludes, the real feasting begins. First, hosts lay out long tables adorned with steaming plates of jollof rice, pounded yam, egusi soup, and grilled chicken. Meanwhile, guests pour palm wine freely, and laughter rings out as they share stories and celebrate together.
For the young ones, the festive season is also about adventure. They run through the fields, chase each other in games, and light firecrackers as the evening approaches. Older children often gather in the town square for masquerade dances, traditional wrestling, and lively music performances. These gatherings are not just entertaining but also serve as a reminder of the community’s rich heritage and collective identity.
The beauty of the Igbo road trips lies in their unique ability to bring people together. For instance, siblings who have not seen each other in years reunite under the same roof, sharing hugs and catching up on life. Additionally, long-lost friends reconnect at local markets or church services, rekindling bonds that time and distance had stretched.
Even neighbours join in the festivities, reminding everyone that the sense of family extends beyond blood relations. The bonds formed and strengthened during these trips often last a lifetime, making the journey home all the more meaningful.
Of course, these trips are not without their challenges. The roads can be crowded, and the journey is often long and tiring. Yet, the determination to make it home outweighs any discomfort. Drivers face traffic with patience and resilience, knowing the destination makes every hour worthwhile. Familiar landmarks—a hill, a bridge, or family compound gates—bring relief and growing excitement.
The importance of these festive road trips cannot be overstated. They help preserve cultural heritage, reinforce family ties, and provide a sense of belonging that is increasingly rare in modern urban life. In a fast-changing world, the act of returning home during the festive season serves as an anchor, grounding individuals in their history and traditions. For the Igbo people, it is a testament to their enduring love for family, community, and culture.
As the season approaches, the roads will once again fill with travellers, each carrying their own hopes, dreams, and expectations for the holidays. Whether it’s the sound of children’s laughter in the backseat, the aroma of roadside delicacies, or the warm embrace of a waiting grandparent, every moment of these trips adds to the joy of the season.
In the end, it is not just about the destination but the journey itself—a journey of love, connection, and the unshakable spirit of togetherness that defines the Nigerian festive season.
Thank you for reading this piece. We hope this inspires you because your subscription supports us greatly. It might interest you to know that we organise workshops and seminars to empower young people. Partner with us today! Find other related articles on our website and follow us on Instagram @InsideSuccessNigeria for more updates.
Leave a Reply