"While much of the world celebrates the holiday period with Father Christmas and gift-giving, the season of goodwill in Liberia brings a different kind of festive figure onto the streets. Footage captured on Tuesday shows the traditional character known as 'Old Man Bayka', also named 'Old Man Beggar', dancing through neighbourhoods, accompanied by drummers and musicians, commemorating the festive period. "When I see Old Man Bayka on the street, it reminds us about tradition and also our culture," said a local. "Every time I see Old Man Bayka, I feel glad and happy because they do a lot of dancing in the streets, commencing the Christmas programme," added another. Dressed in tattered, brightly coloured clothes, sometimes with a belly or walking several metres high on stilts, he entertains before asking passers-by for money or small gifts. "We continue to support the Old Man Bayka because we feel good and it makes us happy about it," added a local. The character is widely believed to have roots in Liberia's tradition of 'dancing devils', or bush devils, masked performers associated with the cultural practices of some of the ethnic groups that comprise present-day Liberia. Historically, these figures danced in public spaces and received gifts from spectators. After each performance, he often repeats the phrase 'My Christmas is on you', a request for seasonal generosity. The lighthearted, public tradition has also played a social role, with donations serving as a way for communities to share resources during the holidays."