As one avails him/herself in the heart of Awi an autonomous zonal administrative unit within the Amhara State on January 30, he/she will be mesmerized at spectacular events and awesome horse riding skill which is colorfully celebrated per annum.
Starting from the day a ceremony of horse riding which both sexes above 18 years old can participate is staged. Everybody decorates his own horse before he or she comes to the competition. And the festival will take place for some days longer.
In the 1930’s the people of Awi (Sebat Bet Agew) joined patriots who waged guerrilla warfare against Fascist Italian invaders with other Ethiopians. Agew patriots utilized a rich tradition of horse riding skills to fight and transport logistics for war by then.
Awi Zone is one of the autonomous zones in Amhara state found to the South and South West of the State capital, Bahir Dar. The name Sebat Bet Agew (seven family of Agew) was coined from the name of seven brothers; Ankesha, Banja, Kuakura, Chara, Metekel, Zigem and Azena.
After the total defeat and departure of Italy from Ethiopia, Sebat Bet Agew Equestrian Association (Yesebat Bet Agew /Seven Houses of Agew/Horsemen Association) was established to commemorate the role of horses and St. George in clearing the invading army from the land, Melese Adal, Head of Awi Zone Tourism and Culture Bureau told.
According to him, the name of the association is also named Sebat Bet Agew St. George Equestrians Association to remember the role of St. George’s knighthood during the war. During the day, horsemen or riders perform sportive competition.
The association, founded by 25 individuals in 1940, has now about 50, 000 members from nine Woredas of the zone. And it has over 2000 committee members who are functional at each level. The association is administered by an elected central committee and a president. It has its own structure and got recognition from the government, the Bureau Head added.
Over the past 79 years, the festival has been celebrated in nine towns and hosting it in turn. Currently, the association is discharging various social responsibilities though the fundamental objective was to commemorate the role of the horses during the war.
Apart from being a commemoration festival, the event is playing a key role in conflict resolution, promoting cooperation and serving as traditional court which is more acceptable by the community than formal legal institutions.
Every year, the anniversary of the association takes place on the 23rd Tir (January 30) which is the date dedicated to St. George who is believed to have a great contribution in the battle of Adwa.
St. George was chosen as a symbolic patron by taking lessons from Emperor Menelik II who successfully fended off Italian occupation 40 years back at the Battle of Adwa with accompany of the Arc of St. George. Similarly, the founders of the Association also used to take the Arc St. George to help them win their battle, according to Melese.
Haileyesus Filate, Amhara State Culture and Tourism Bureau, Communication and Public Relations Director told that preparations are underway to commemorate the 80th Sebat Bet Agew Equestrian festival.
A committee is set up to celebrate the upcoming festival on January 30, 2020. Panel discussion and other events also will take place regarding unique features of the community’s culture and language.
Over 2000 horse riders are to stage a show in Injibara town – the capital of Awi Zonal administration to celebrate 80th Sebat Bet Agew Equestrian festival, Melese noted.
The festival which was hosted in the woreda administration was decided to be celebrated at Ingibara part and parcel of the Agew community and capital of the zone on the 77th year after the association deliberated with the state Culture and Tourism Bureau.
According to Melese, anyone above 18 years old from both sexes have a right to be membership or can join it with or without a horse as it is the association of the people of Awi in reconciliation, funeral, and joy.
Committee of the association from all woredas convenes gathering twice a year to discuss the societal issues of their locality and zone. Considering preserving historic value, social roles and unique culture, the association was nominee and ranked second in the 2018 Bego Sew an Amharic version for man of virtue Award of the year in the “history and heritage” category.
According to Haileyesus, in addition to celebrating annually, efforts have been started to inscribe the festival by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Melese stated that the annual festival of this year is planned to be celebrated in a special way than ever before with the presence of various invited guests, visitors, and regional and federal officials incorporating agenda of development, governance, and culture within the festival.
The Association is contributing to promote the culture and traditions of the nation.
On the occasion, studies which would reinforce zone tourism potential will be presented. In this regard, Injibara University is contributing its part in promoting Awi equestrians. The festival has huge potential to generate foreign currency if it is promoted properly, he indicated.
Moreover, the January 30 celebration of the Awi autonomous Zonal Administration of the Amhara State is one of spectacular event which needs to be inscribed as intangible heritage of the world.
The Ethiopian Herald January 2 /2020
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
