Raving parties, hot bodies, drinks flowing, and the harmattan breeze are some of the things that come to mind when you hear the slang Detty December, but have you ever really wondered how it all came to be? If your answer is no, then you’re in luck because we have.
But first, let’s walk down memory lane. You remember how it felt traveling to your rich Uncle or Aunt’s house or traveling to the village to meet your cousins and have so much fun throughout the holiday, that’s how Detty December feels like.
The only difference is you’re not writing an essay about the holiday on the first Monday of school, you’re coming back home to experience December in Naija.
So, here’s what Detty December is all about, and better still, what you can do to enjoy it.
How December Got Detty
“Detty” is a playful Nigerian way of saying “paint the town red.” Coined by the famous artist Mr Eazi in 2016 from the word “Dirty”, it means cutting loose and indulging fully in some carefree fun and celebration.
Every December, Nigerians abroad come home for family reunions, festivities, and major events. This collective effort of Nigerians at home and overseas has made December in Naija a cultural movement you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Detty December includes every type of celebration, from family gatherings to weddings and festivals that attract international visitors from other countries. You’re sure to have a calendar that doesn’t run out of events.
ALSO READ: How Nigerians Abroad Can Enjoy a Detty December When in Nigeria
Must-Attend Events: Where the Detty Resides
Carnival and Music Festivals
You dare not miss Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar carnival, or the Lagos carnival. These are cultural treasures and tourist attractions. But, let’s say you didn’t find out on time or you just couldn’t make it to the carnival, there are still a lot of options.
Think of Flytime Fest, Palmwine Music Fest, Street Souk, Rhythm Unplugged, EatDrinkFestival, and all the headliner shows from your favorite big-name artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna, Tiwa, Arya Starr, Rema, and all the others happening all in one Detty December.
Clubs & Lounge Takeovers
From Quilox to Cubana to W Bar, the clubs will be clubbin’. Even your “I don’t club like that” friends will suddenly become night creatures. Why? Because Lagos doesn’t sleep, and you won’t either. You’ll meet fellow Detty December night birds, beautiful girls with hot bodies, and guys that keep the drinks flowing. Go with the flow, but go with backup too. (No one wants to be the person stranded at 3 am when it’s time to pay the bills.)
Family Celebrations
December is wedding marathon season. Everyone is getting married, renewing vows, or throwing birthday parties that look like royal coronations. Very bold but true.
Prepare for a good time with lots of food and family drama, but get ready to meet relatives you can’t remember or don’t even know, aunts and uncles that’ll keep side-eyeing you until you “show some cash love,” and the ones that’ll keep trying to matchmake you.
Pop-Ups & Chill Events
Art shows, beach parties, game nights, movie premieres, backyard BBQs. You name it. They’re not loud and highly energetic, but these cool events should also be on your to-do list.
Not every event has to be filled with loud music and flashing lights. Some of the best Detty December memories are made in the most chill places. All you need are your family, old-time genuine friends, or your long-lost love (or situationship).
ALSO READ: How to Choose An Event That Matches Your Energy
Budget So You Don’t Go Broke in The Name of Enjoyment
Let’s be honest, Detty December will test your account balance. All that Detty comes at a price. So, set a budget, break your spending into categories like Events, Transportation, Outfits, Food & Drinks, and “Impulse Fun” (yes, very important).
You don’t want to get stranded as soon as you land in Nigeria or midway through your Detty December experience. The best way to avoid that is with a Detty Card. A card you can pick up at the airport or anywhere in Nigeria.
The Detty Card helps you budget smartly and spend seamlessly in Nigeria without the stress of constantly changing your dollars, pounds, or euros to naira. No shady bureau de change drama, just tap, pay, and keep it moving without any stress.
You can also split costs with friends, share rides, and coordinate your outfits beforehand. Most importantly, remember you do not need to be at every event your friends invite you to. Say no to some. Choose the ones that actually excite you, so you don’t regret spending your money.
Dress to Kill but Don’t Overdo Yourself
The fashion game in December is not for the faint of heart. But you don’t need to go broke to look good. Plan your Outfits. Don’t wait till the day of the event to scream, “I don’t have clothes!” Plan your looks intentionally and properly like you’re a model on tour (Lol, just kidding).
There’s no competition for most luxuriously dressed, so mix thrifted gems with designer items if you must. The goal is never to be caught unfresh. Don’t overdress to a chill party, then underdress to the main event.
If you’re buying aso ebi, get it early. Tailors during December are scammers in disguise. Add 5 working days to whatever deadline they give you. No! Add 5 more. Trust me.
ALSO READ: How to Dress for Social Events Without Looking Like You Tried Too Hard
Some Extra Tips to Successfully Navigate a Detty December:
- Spend quality time with family and loved ones.
- Please don’t attend all the events. Except you have the strength and money to do so.
- Good rest is vital. Sleep is not your enemy. You’ll need it.
- Don’t compare your enjoyment to anyone else’s. You’re not in a competition.
- Stay safe. Mind your belongings, trust your instincts, and share your location with trusted friends.
Detty December is not just a season, it’s a lifestyle. A glorious, chaotic, unforgettable moment in time where everyone lets loose, catches up, and creates memories to last a lifetime or at least until the next Detty December.
But the real flex is spending smart and stress-free while you enjoy all the holiday has to offer without constantly changing your foreign currency to Naira.
Get a Detty Card today and be one step ahead in your Detty December plans. Budget easily and spend seamlessly from your first step in Nigeria until you leave.
