In Sierra Leone, December 26 is more than a day for leftovers after Christmas. Known as Boxing Day, it has long been a major public holiday marked by sports, music and family gatherings. But a look at how the day was celebrated in 2010 compared with 2025 shows a clear shift in how people enjoy the holiday.
While the spirit of togetherness remains strong, the centre of celebration has moved away from the National Stadium to the beaches along the Atlantic coast.
2010: When the Stadium Was the Centre of It All
Fifteen years ago, Boxing Day was closely linked to the traditional Boxing Day Sports Meet. The event was held at the National Stadium and was one of the biggest moments of the festive season.
Families would wear their new Christmas clothes and head to the stadium to watch track and field events. Local athletes competed fiercely, and the event often attracted large crowds from across the city.
After the sports, the streets of Freetown came alive with debul masquerades. Secret society dancers, including well-known figures such as Paddle and Bloody Mary, led long processions as music and dancing filled the streets.
2025: Beaches Take Over the Celebration
By 2025, the Boxing Day experience looks very different. The National Stadium has been closed for renovation for several years, and work was still ongoing by the end of 2025. As a result, the traditional sports meet has been moved to smaller venues, including the Bo Mini Stadium, drawing far fewer people than before.
With the stadium no longer available, attention has shifted to the beaches of the Freetown Peninsula. Boxing Day is now dominated by beach parties, live music and organised outings at places such as Lumley Beach, River No. 2 Beach and Tokeh Beach.
Social media has also changed how the day is celebrated. Unlike 2010, when people focused on being physically present at events, many Boxing Day moments in 2025 are recorded and shared online, especially on TikTok and Instagram.
Traditions That Have Not Changed
Despite these changes, some parts of Boxing Day remain the same.
The day is still an official public holiday, giving workers time to rest and spend time with family. Acts of generosity, which gave Boxing Day its name, continue in many homes and churches, with gifts shared with neighbours and those in need.
Food also remains central to the celebration. Across the country, families gather to eat together, with jollof rice still a favourite on the menu.
As Sierra Leone looks ahead to 2026, many people hope the reopening of the National Stadium will bring back the large Boxing Day sports meet. For now, the country continues to celebrate the day by blending old traditions with a growing beach culture.
