IN a joyous celebration, hundreds of couples converged in Ethiopia’s capital for a historic traditional mass wedding ceremony, marking a revival after a decade. Organised by Yament Private Limited and sponsored by state broadcaster EBC, the event brought together couples from various regions of Ethiopia.
Dressed in traditional white attire, the couples adorned the streets outside the venue with song and dance, creating a vibrant prelude to the ceremonial proceedings. Yakob Tesfaye and Lidet Tagel, both 21, travelled from the western region of Gambella for the occasion. Yakob expressed the significance of the event, saying, ‘This is a huge opportunity for us to see all the tribes from different regions, also to get sponsorship from the organisers because we didn’t have much of a budget to get married.’
The organisers, eager to revive mass weddings that saw a decline due to the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasised their commitment to showcasing Ethiopia’s rich traditional culture and marriage practices. Hawi Tilahun of Yament stated, ‘The reason we started again is to showcase our traditional culture and marriage practices,’ expressing hope that the event would contribute to boosting tourism in Africa’s second most populous nation.
Ashenafi Negassi and Zeytuna Usman, both 25, shared their excitement about participating in the ceremony. Ashenafi, a shopkeeper, remarked, ‘This is a beautiful day to see other tribes from different regions and to be married alongside them is truly beautiful, and I can’t express the joy I feel to be with her.’
The event not only serves as a celebration of love but also as a testament to Ethiopia’s cultural diversity, fostering unity and shared joy among its people.
(with AFP)
