The streets of Awka have transformed into a digital battleground after the state’s official Christmas decorations sparked an massive uproar for their “shrine-like” appearance. Instead of the usual glitter and twinkling fairy lights, the decor featured earthy textures and traditional symbols that many residents felt leaned more toward indigenous deity worship than holiday cheer. As photos of the unconventional setup flooded social media, critics were quick to label the display “occultic,” questioning why the heart of the city looked like a scene from a traditional ritual rather than a festive wonderland.
Stepping into the fray to douse the flames, the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Don Onyenji, has finally broken his silence. He dismissed the “shrine” labels as a total misunderstanding of artistic creativity, explaining that the design was a deliberate attempt to blend the spirit of Christmas with authentic Igbo cultural identity. According to Onyenji, the decorations were meant to celebrate the state’s heritage by using local materials and motifs that reflect the “home of the brave,” rather than just mimicking Western holiday tropes that have no roots in the soil of the Southeast.
The Commissioner’s defense has only added fuel to the heated debate over where culture ends and religious tradition begins. While some citizens applaud the move as a bold reclamation of Igbo roots, others remain unconvinced, arguing that the “scary” vibe is a major festive fail that misses the mark on holiday joy. Whether you see it as a cultural masterpiece or a seasonal blunder, one thing is certain: Anambra has successfully made sure that every eye in the country is fixed on Awka this December.
