Celebrating Romance in Kigali

ON February 14, Kigali transformed into a sea of roses, as colourful and idealistic themes banded together with romantic events, and lovers exchanging flowers and endearments.As many lovebirds dressed up in red and black for the special day, hotels and nightspots in Kigali smoothed their way for an incredible and memorable romantic evening.Mama Africa Restaurant - KimihururaMama Africa Restaurant was the place to be on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant that is renowned for its panoramic view overlooking Kigali City was decorated in special Valentine’s Day colours (red and black) to emphasise the theme. All the tables were decorated with colourful decorations, scented candles and roses to spice up the dinner.This elegant restaurant has been honoured for its gourmet cuisine. Combining with international menus, Mama Africa Restaurant could easily have been crowned the top dining destination for the lovebirds.Soft harp music occupied the air, as waiters and waitresses provided stellar service to each of the tables. Ladies also received long-stemmed red roses. Lovers enjoyed specialised treatments as they were entertained by some of Rwanda’s famous musicians: Knowles, Dr. Claude and Tom Close. The 2011Primus Guma Guma Superstar winner, Tom Close was accompanied by his girlfriend.After the dinner, guests who wanted to dance were ushered into Kibota, one of Kigali’s latest VIP nightclubs, for another special treat. Kibota is located within the same premises as Cadillac night club and Mama Africa Restaurant.The Indian Chef - KacyiruFrom the romance of an African setting to Indian food, the mood was set for an enchanting stay at The Indian Chef. Lovers were treated to delicious Indian dishes, with a wide variety of beverages ranging from soft drinks, liquors, fine wines to spirits. Guests were offered the first drink for free to wish them a great lovers’ day celebration.The Manor - NyarutaramaFor the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at The Manor was unsurpassed. Couples were seated at cozy tables and were treated to a culinary feast tailored to their specific tastes by the hotel’s qualified chef.King James, Miss Jojo, Kitoko and Uganda’s songbird Sheebah performed at the event.The year’s Valentine’s Day can be summed up in three words: Fabulous, tasteful and terrific – providing attention to the major detail.Why celebrate the Valentine’s Day?According to some Internet sources, people celebrate Valentine’s Day, because until 1969, it was one of the many saint’s days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine.However, some people do not honour St. Valentine as they believe that celebrating the day is a waste of time and resources.“I don’t understand why people waste a lot of time and resources to celebrate this day. If it’s all about love, why then celebrate it once in a year? True love is embraced all the time,” a Kigali resident, Allan Nkusi, noted.“If a man loves his woman, he should be able to give her those special treatments every day –and vice versa, they shouldn’t wait for February 14!”Jessica Munganyinka stated that celebrating Valentine’s Day depends on the situation her relationship is in. “I can only celebrate Valentine’s Day if my boyfriend and I, are in good terms – otherwise it wouldn’t make any sense,” Umutoni explained. “I consider Valentine’s Day as a special romantic moment, when we celebrate our love – not a day for ‘peace talks.”

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Celebrating Romance in Kigali