The Ebola epidemic currently raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo is even impacting the organization of weddings.
In Bunia, the capital of Ituri province , the epicenter of the outbreak, local authorities and the Church have imposed restrictive measures, particularly regarding the number of guests. It is up to the bride and groom and their families to adapt.
"We had invited 300 people to our wedding, but when we arrived at the church, [the church officials] only allowed 50 people to enter," said Solange Hahati on the sidelines of her wedding on Saturday.
It was very difficult for us because we wanted to celebrate our wedding with all our friends."
To limit the spread of the virus, Catholic churches have suspended certain activities. From baptisms to funerals and weddings, the virus is disrupting all religious rites.
"Some sacraments will be postponed," including confirmation, baptism and ordination, explained Father Aimé Lokanabego.
At Solange Hahati's wedding, contact between guests was limited as much as possible.
"We are really scared," lamented Benoît Nyange, a close friend of the groom.
"There are no kisses, and we limit greetings to the bare minimum to avoid Ebola. We don't touch each other. Everyone goes their own way."
Declared in May, the current Ebola epidemic has at least 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths in the DRC, according to figures published on June 4 by the Congolese Ministry of Health.
