-Ministry inks MoU with private firm
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia is set to host a grand mass wedding ceremony in January 2025, bringing together five couples from across Africa to marry alongside Ethiopian counterparts in Addis Ababa.
This unique event, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports in collaboration with Yament PLC, aims to celebrate cultural unity and strengthen bonds among African nations.
At a press briefing yesterday, Culture and Sports Minister Shewit Shanka emphasized that the mass wedding ceremony will enhance national unity and foster connections among African countries and the global community. “Such events help transfer cultural values from generation to generation and showcase our rich traditions,” she stated.
Minister Shewit also highlighted the importance of collaborating with “Yeshih Gabicha,” a platform that promotes Ethiopian marriage values and culture. “The ceremony will bring Ethiopian couples from across the nation, displaying their traditional attire and marriage practices, thereby elevating Ethiopia’s cultural profile globally,” she added.
The event is also expected to boost Ethiopia’s tourism by drawing international attention. Minister Shewit noted that showcasing Ethiopia’s traditional clothing and wedding customs could have significant economic benefits, raising the nation’s global standing.
Yeshih Gabicha Founder and Yament PLC CEO Asnake Amanuel expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating that the mass wedding will attract tourists, promote Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, and encourage peaceful relations among newlywed couples. “This initiative allows couples to unite without the burden of high wedding costs, helping them to stabilize their future lives,” he said.
Yament PLC revealed that the event will see 1,000 Ethiopian couples getting married in a mass ceremony, alongside the five African couples. The “Yeshih Gabicha” Carnival and Expo will be held concurrently, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
To solidify their partnership, the Ministry of Culture and Sports and Yament PLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various cultural initiatives. The upcoming event promises to be a spectacular showcase of unity and culture, promoting Ethiopia’s image to the world.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 AUGUST 2024
