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 excitedly in the backseat, asking how much longer until they arrive, while parents reminisce about their childhood trips to the same villages. Vendors line the roads, selling roasted corn, plantains, suya, and bottled drinks to travellers, creating brief moments of interaction that break the monotony of the long drives. These pit stops are not just about satisfying hunger; they’re about savouring the shared experience of travel.

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 indescribable. For children raised in urban areas, it is a chance to connect with their roots, hear stories from elders, and understand the values that bind their families together.
The festive period in these Igbo towns and villages is marked by various activities. 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, reminding everyone of the season’s spiritual significance. After church, the real feasting begins. Long tables are laid out with steaming plates of jollof rice, pounded yam, egusi soup, and grilled chicken. Palm wine flows freely, and laughter rings out as stories are shared.

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. The older children often find themselves drawn to the town square, where events like masquerade dances, traditional wrestling, and music performances take place. 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 ability to bring people together. Siblings who have not seen each other in years reunite under the same roof, sharing hugs and catching up on life. Long-lost friends reconnect at local markets or church services. 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 navigate through traffic with a mix of patience and resilience, knowing that the destination is worth every hour spent on the road. For many, the sight of familiar landmarks—a certain hill, a bridge, or the gates of the family compound—brings a wave of relief and 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.
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