The vibrant and bustling streets of Douala witnessed an unusual calmness on Boxing Day, the day following Christmas.
Empty thoroughfares, shuttered businesses, and homes nearly depleted of food characterized the atmosphere in various neighborhoods, presenting a stark contrast to the lively scenes of Christmas celebrations just a day prior.
Despite initial reservations from some residents about a subdued start to the Christmas season and others expressing financial constraints, Douala experienced a bustling Christmas this year.
Families gathered to celebrate, welcoming loved ones from both near and far, turning the city into a lively spectacle of joy.
Marketplaces, initially brimming with food items, faced near depletion of stock as residents indulged in festive feasts.
The aftermath of the culinary celebrations saw parents taking to the streets with their children, adorned in a myriad of attires, transforming Douala into a colorful and joyous panorama.
However, the post-Christmas ambiance on December 26 told a different story.
Almost every neighborhood in Douala echoed with an unusual quietness, with streets appearing deserted.
It became a rarity to encounter even 10 people on a street, a stark deviation from Douala’s customary liveliness.
Both adults and children opted for indoor activities, a departure from the customary notion that Christmas is a day for children.
The quietude was palpable as exhausted residents sought respite within their homes.
Louis Ngoufack, taking a breather in front of his house, remarked, “Today is Boxing Day and a public holiday. People are tired. I am exhausted from yesterday’s celebration because I visited a lot of people, and the eating and drinking were just too much.”
Huguette, a Douala resident, highlighted the apparent aftermath of the festive season, stating, “From the quietness of the day, you people can see that Christmas was hot yesterday.”
She elaborated on her activities, mentioning a leisurely walk with her children and visits to relatives, but noted the prevailing fatigue that kept many indoors.
Financial exhaustion was also a common sentiment.
Guy Albert said, “I spent all my money yesterday on food and drinks and even dashed others as Christmas gifts. Today I am empty, not even a single franc. I will stay home. No shaking.”
Businesses mirrored the subdued atmosphere, with closed shops and empty markets.
Julio Sonkeng, a store owner, explained, “I am a store owner, I cannot open today because I am tired, and secondly, customers are not there. Everyone is trying to recover from yesterday’s feast.”
The usually lively Bonamoussadi market area resembled an abandoned space.
Tables were vacant, stores locked, and both sellers and buyers were conspicuously absent.
A food item vendor expressed disappointment, stating, “I came to sell my remaining Christmas goods but looks like it’s a waste of time.”
While Boxing Day in some regions is considered a second Christmas day with continued festivities, Douala adopts a different approach.
The residents prefer a day of rest, recuperating from the exuberance of Christmas while relishing the leftovers.
