As the New Year nears, people travel to enjoy the special celebrations different countries have to offer, including Rwanda.

The New Times visited a few of Kigali’s cultural spots, where tradition and modernity mix seamlessly, leaving visitors amazed and eager to experience the same in the future.

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One of our initial visits was to the Kandt House Museum in Nyarugenge District, Kigali City, where we encountered travellers from Kenya. They shared their experiences, vividly portraying Rwanda’s charm, while exchanging stories of discovery and amazement at Rwanda’s history and development.

"We came to celebrate Christmas in Rwanda and part of what we wanted to appreciate is the history of Rwanda, where the country came from and what got it to where it is right now,” Oliver Biyogo, who is visiting Rwanda with his wife Faith, and children Nancy and Andrew, told The New Times.

"The museum is very rich, quite elaborate, and gives you a chronology of its titan from the first German and Belgian who came and the kind of modernisation that was there during that time. One of our key takeaways is the ability and resilience of Rwandans based on what happened in 1994 (the Genocide against the Tutsi). It’s not very easy for people to bounce back but we learnt that humanity can still overcome atrocity and be able to completely rebuild.”

Biyogo added: "The simple act of cleanliness which can completely transform a country (Umuganda) community work, is also another takeaway. It is the little things that we do which will make the whole world better.”

Healing and reconciliation are very powerful, he said, adding: "For Kenyans, this is also a key lesson of what hatred can bring, it’s possible to reconcile and live as one big family. This is a big message that we are taking back home.”

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This is the first time George Ngugi Keru and his family are visiting Rwanda.

"This is my second day and I’ve noticed how your modern culture seamlessly blends into the environment, which is different from the concrete structures we are used to in Nairobi.

"We were informed that the festive season is your low season, which is different from Kenya where it is a peak season. However, the culture is rich, the people are very friendly, and we are still touring around to other places.

"However, we also wished to see the gorillas, but unfortunately, we were informed that we needed to obtain a permit. We lacked sufficient information, and that’s something we will do next time we return. We’ve observed a distinct cultural aspect—the friendliness of Rwandans and the cleanliness. Rwanda is remarkably tidy; there are bins everywhere, and they are consistently utilised, which appears unique.

"We learned a great deal about the transition from pre to post-colonialism at the museum, including the division of Rwanda from Congo, Burundi, and Uganda into the present-day countries. Specifically, we learned about the divisions among the Rwandan people - the Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa - and discovered that they were social economic classes rather than tribes. We used to think of them as tribes, but in reality, they are not.”

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We then went to Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural exchange. Among the diverse array of handmade crafts, visitors delighted in the mixed beauty of Rwandan artistry.

Initially, over 28 women from Nyamirambo, part of a community association, came up with an initiative 15 years ago to equip themselves with modern tailoring skills to meet the clothing demands of a modern customer.

However, we were unable to converse with any tourists. Jasper Pendo, the Sales Manager, mentioned that most tourists purchase souvenirs for children, such as beads, jewellery, mats, baskets, kitenge dresses, hats, napkins, and bags made from banana leaves. These items are popular and made in a unique way that serves to protect the environment.

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The Biryogo car-free zone, a bustling locale known for its vibrant social scene, especially during the night, was our final stop. Here, amidst the jovial ambiance, locals and tourists alike embraced the joy of togetherness, as they shared the taste and flavours of Rwandan cuisine.

We met Cécile and Pietro, a couple from Europe, who said one of the traditional celebrations they experienced was a local wedding.

"The event was very amazing and unusual, especially poems for cows (Kuvigira Inka), Umushanana (traditional attire), and local food such as African tea, Ugali, chapatti, and more.

"We also visited the Kigali Genocide Museum. It was a very strong experience that was unique for us and we learnt so much.

Spending time with our friends was the most memorable aspect of celebrating the holiday in Rwanda. From here, we’re travelling to Tanzania and then Zanzibar.”