Xmass starts at Sarova Whitesands, writes wonder girl Dinfin Mulupi

BY: DINFIN MULUPI

 The Christmas festive celebrations in Mombasa officially kicked off on Wednesday night with the much awaited Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Sarova Whitesands hotel in Mombasa.

The festival dubbed the ‘Legend of the ages’ attracted more than 800 tourists and stakeholders from the tourism industry. The whitesands hotel annual tree lighting ceremony is the official mark of Christmas festivities in the region.

The Whitesands hotel team made colourful decorations with the center of attraction being the huge Christmas tree set in the centre of the entrance square of the hotel.

To mark the theme ‘legends of the ages ‘the Whitesands team put up  a huge pyramid with paintings of global icons to be honored this Christmas.

Among those honored were South African icon Nelson Mandela, environmentalist Wangari Maathai, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, pop icon Michael Jackson, Albert Einstein, Brazilian football legend  Pele, German Ludwig  van Beethoven  and Cleopatra.  The pyramid was adorned in the paintings of all the legends and crowned with a globe map.  

In honour of Musician Michael Jackson two huge guitars with lightings were positioned on either side of the Christmas tree, a painting of our very Maathai was also showcased to honour her efforts in the conservation of the environment.

Christmas decorations and lights were positioned on almost all areas in the hotel including the reception all the way to the accommodation rooms and restaurants. Carvings and paintings of Baby Jesus, Mary, the wise men and Santa Claus were also on show case.

Children from diverse ethnicities read out the biographies of all the global legends to the multiracial   group and emphasised on the need for unity to overcome the world’s challenges.

Sarova Whitesands General manager Mohammed Hersi said the hotel chose the theme to honour special people that have  positively impacted the lives of ordinary people.

Said he:

“We have decided to honour the ordinary men and women who have denied themselves and sacrificed a lot to serve others and have made a positive impact in the world.”

Tourists described the function as magnificent for successfully celebrating Christmas and honoring legends. Holger a tourist from Germany said:

“Christmas starts from whitesands, everyday I see that tree I will know it is time to be merry Christmas is here again!”

The Christmas tree and decorations will be on until January 4.

For Mombasa residents its official Christmas is here!

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