SOUTH SUDAN: Local Cookies Dominates Streets In Juba As Citizens Prepare For Christmas

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan 

As Christmas approaches, the streets of Juba, South Sudan, are filled with the delightful aroma of local cookies, a festive symbol of the season. Known locally as kabis.

These cookies are a staple in South Sudanese homes during the holiday season.

Vendors line the streets, selling buckets of these treats, often accompanied by small jerry cans of honey and fresh fruits, offering a sweet and welcoming sight to both locals and visitors.

The kabis are more than just cookies; they are a cherished part of the Christmas tradition, symbolising warmth, joy, and community.

During the festive season, children eagerly roam from house to house, sharing these cookies and spreading the holiday spirit.

The tradition of giving kabis during Christmas is so deeply ingrained that many South Sudanese consider a home without these treats to be incomplete during the holidays.

This tradition transcends borders, as South Sudanese communities in neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda also continue to prepare and enjoy kabis during Christmas.

The youth often express that no Christmas celebration is truly complete without the presence of these cookies, emphasising their cultural significance.

In addition to these sweet treats, the Christmas celebrations in Juba are marked by the slaughtering of cows, goats, and other animals, contributing to the communal feasting that is part of the festivities.

The streets of Juba come alive as people prepare for these celebrations, with kabis serving as a beloved and essential part of the season’s joy.

In essence, the sight of kabis filling the streets of Juba during Christmas is a beautiful reflection of the South Sudanese spirit of togetherness, community, and celebration.

The festive season in Juba, as in many parts of the world, is defined by the warmth of family, the sharing of food, and the joy of coming together to celebrate.