Scores of people in Harare central business district (CBD) were running around making preparations for new year’s celebrations.
According to a survey by The Herald, some were buying large volumes of groceries, while some youths were buying clothes for New Year’s Eve parties.
Others were buying clothes for the crossover night services as some churches have prescribed dress codes for serving members like ushers and those in praise and worship teams.
It has become a tradition for most Pentecostal churches to host crossover night vigils on New Year’s eve.
Downtown, a number of vendors and shops were selling firecrackers which people light up just before and after midnight as they celebrate the new year.
A visit to one of Ebony salon branches in town showed a lot of ladies were getting their hair done as they prepared for different functions happening today and tomorrow.
People expressed excitement as they eagerly awaited 2023.
“I am so excited that we are getting into a new year. I have just bought new clothes in this shop that I will be wearing for tomorrow’s Winky D show.
“I really need to look great like many other teenagers who will be there,” said Natasha Kari.
“As a tradition, I spend my new year’s eve at church and that is where I will be. I sing in the choir, that is why I am ensuring that my uniform is in order and my hair is plaited,” said Mrs Juliet Kahari from Kuwadzana.
Some families will have mini parties at home, while some church denominations begin 10 days of fasting on January 1.
Bars and night club are looking forward to making a killing today and tomorrow as revellers celebrate the new year drinking alcohol.
“We make big sales on Christmas and on new year’s eve, otherwise after that we enter into a dry season in January as sales become very low because clients overspend during the festive holiday,” said one bottle store attendant who declined to be named.
While others were planning for New Year’s celebrations, some people were making back-to-school preparations for their children.
In shops like Bata and Enbee Stores, parents were buying school shoes and uniforms respectively.
Same with stationery shops like Planas, where a number of people were buying stationery for their children to avoid last minute rush as prices also go up just before schools’ opening.
In major supermarkets, people were buying groceries in bulk as they moved around with tuck lists.
“I have three children who go to school; Grade 1, Grade 7 and Form 5. They all need school fees, necessary uniforms and stationery.
“So I can’t afford to spend money on parties or clothes for Christmas, or new year because of pressing obligations,” said Mr Thomas Muzena.
For merry-makers, several shows are lined up in the capital with Seh Calaz launching an album at the City Sports Centre, while Winky D will be launching his own at the Harare International Conference Centre. – The Herald
