Adwa
March 1st, 1896 the Ethiopian Empire and Italy are at war. Ehtiopia had until then remained free and unencumbered by the European desire for colonisation and empiral expansion. When Italy tried to force a protectorate over Ethiopia, Emporer Menelik II fought back. This war culminated at the Battle of Adwa, where the Ehtiopian forces faced down and beat a technilogically more advanced Italian army. In the medium term, this victory did not fend off Italian interests for long, but it has remained mytholgical in Ethiopian culture ever since. Ethiopians proudly claim that they are the only African country to not be colonized by a Europian power.
Every year thousands of people would gather at Emporer Menelik II Square in Addis Ababa in order to celbrate the victory of the Ethiopians over the Italians at Adwa in what is now Tigray. These individuals are on their way up to the square from the area of town known as the Piazza.
Children are taught about the battle at a young age and celebrate it. Although, the unifroms are a more modern affectation.
People of all walks of life gather together under one flag to celebrate their shared past.
Organized groups divided based on tribe and region circle around the statue of Menelik II. Some would chant, sing, or blow horns like the man above.
The statue of Emporer Menelik II at the centre of the square, around which the people would circle.
Antiwestern sentiment was so high in Ethiopia 2022 that members of the crowd waved the Russian flag, perhaps unaware of the irony of celebrating the repulsion of an invasion force by waving the flag of a modern invading force.
This woman, adorned in traditional Oromo dress, dances and sings with other Oromo while carrying a mock rifle made of wood.
A young man shows off his homemade mock weapon by pointing it at me even before I pointed my camera at him.
This woman, dressed in what I believe is traditional Harari garments, drums and sings.
The older gentleman is dressed in Oromo clothing, while the woman has what appears to be more Somali (Ogaden Region) colours and patterns. The vast array of tribal heritage shows the united perspective on the Battle of Adwa.
A man dressed in traditional Tigrayan battle attire chants and parades around the square.
These men proudly display their prowess and skills in front of the crowds of onlookers to cheers.
A Tigrayan family proudly marching together through the square.
An Oromo woman brandishing her shield while posing for the photo.
The leaders of the Oromo are pulled through the square on a trailer in their regal splendor.
An Oromo man brandishing his shield while posing for the photo.
