SOUTH SUDAN: Christian Youths In Juba Celebrate The New Year With Unique Matching Event

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

In a vibrant and faith-driven celebration, Christian youths in Juba, South Sudan, marked the start of the New Year with a unique event – a symbolic march commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Held on January 1st, the march was part of a larger Christmas celebration, emphasising unity and Christian values of love, peace, and community.

Hundreds of young Christians participated, marching through the streets of Juba, chanting songs of praise and holding banners adorned with messages of hope.

The procession began at the St. Peters of Rajaf Archdeaconry, winding through various neighborhoods, and culminated in a celebratory service.

Participants wore attires representing their roles in the church, such as lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, and youth groups, each symbolising purity and the light of Christ.

Elizabeth Akech, one of the event organisers, told Afrrican culture TV that the march was not only a celebration, but also a reminder of the importance of community and the true meaning of Christmas.

The youth, mainly from the Dinka community of Juba, came together for this event, organised by the Jol Wo Liec from Espicapol Church of South Sudan.

Their event was a call for unity, humility, and compassion, inspired by the teachings of Jesus.

The match, traditionally known as “Mathira” (end year celebration), played an amusing twist as some Arsenal football fans in Sherikat joined the procession wearing jerseys and waving flags.

Their playful participation became a light-hearted topic of conversation, with some joking that “Arsenal only dominates the streets of Sherikat when it has never won a single game.”

Bishop Daniel, who presided over the closing service, expressed his pride in seeing the youth actively engage in such a meaningful celebration.

He emphasised that the event not only reflected the joy of Christmas, but also underscored the importance of peace, love, and reconciliation – values that are especially crucial in South Sudan at this time.

The march, rooted in Dinka traditions dating back to the 1990s, has spread to other East African countries where the Dinka community now resides.

Youths in Kenya and Uganda have also embraced the “Mathira”, showcasing their skillful artistry.

In Bor town, Jonglei State, youths performed a skit on the birth of Jesus, impressing everyone with their creativity.

This year’s event in Juba was not just a religious observance, but also an outreach initiative, with many local residents joining in a spontaneous show of solidarity.

Peter Kon, a youth leader, remarked that such events help spread messages of hope and inspire positive change.

The celebration concluded with a moving gospel performance and a moment of silent prayer for the people of South Sudan, further reinforcing the role of young people in promoting peace, unity, and faith.

For the youth of Juba, this event was a powerful reminder of their potential to influence their communities positively, carrying forward the message of Jesus’ birth in the pursuit of compassion and peace.