When will we celebrate Congo's New Year?

People in Vietnam often say 'wait until Congo's New Year' to imply something very difficult or never accomplished. So, when will Congo's New Year come?

When is Congo's New Year?

In fact, there are 2 countries named Congo existing in the world: the Republic of Congo (or Congo Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (or Congo Kinshasa). Of course, people in both countries celebrate the new year like other countries around the world.

In Congo Brazzaville, people celebrate New Year widely. Every year, on this day, adults and children alike have a day off from work and school. Families gather together, dance, and sing to bid farewell to the old year. Besides New Year, they also celebrate other major holidays like Easter and Christmas.

Meanwhile, in Congo Kinshasa, the neighboring country sharing a border with Congo Brazzaville and both within the Francophonie, people have to wait 50 years to see fireworks to celebrate New Year once.

Despite being a vast and populous country in Central Africa, Congo Kinshasa remains one of the poorest and most backward nations on the continent. For decades, Congo Kinshasa has consistently been among the top 10 poorest countries in the world.

The reasons stem from over a century of Belgian colonization, political crises, conflicts, and transitions. Alongside that, issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and education lacking investment have led to sluggish economic development.

However, New Year celebrations in this country are truly grand affairs with a joyful atmosphere. After half a century of anticipation, the citizens of Congo Kinshasa enthusiastically decorate their homes and indulge in lavish feasts lasting for three months.

There are various explanations for this unique New Year celebration style. Some attribute it to the distinctive and longstanding cultural traits of the people of Congo Kinshasa. Others suggest that prolonged civil wars and poverty serve as barriers compelling the locals here to patiently 'wait until Congo's New Year.'

Even during ordinary years without New Year celebrations, the people of this country still commemorate other important holidays such as Independence Day (June 30), Father's Day (August 1), and Youth Day (October 14).

Source: Kim Ngan/ Zing News

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour