The people usually give high attention and value to the celebration of Nation, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day. They start entering the stadium as early as 6 o’clock in the morning, which is a clear indication of eagerness and anxiousness of the people to celebrate Hidar 29.
The stadium is decorated with flags, pictures and messages of the celebration. Young students show magnificent theatrical and artistic gymnastics accompanied by beautiful music by the regional and federal police music bands. Invited guests including representatives from neighboring countries, High level Government Officials, Ambassadors, the Diplomatic community and the main actors:
Representatives of our Nation Nationalities and Peoples are present during this grand festival. A cultural show case from Representatives of Nation Nationality and Peoples of our Nation is extremely colorful and totally attractive. It is simply the main event of the day.
There is a tendency to associate the NNP Day to a one day festivity; however, the real purpose of this Day is beyond festivity.
It is developing infra-structures, enhancing culture and tradition, strengthening People to People connection and reinforcing tolerance amongst people, respecting the rights and responsibilities guaranteed by the constitution of the land and most importantly, strengthening the understanding, love and respect between and amongst the different NNP of Ethiopia.
This important day has especially helped the less developed regions of our nation to speed up and scale up their developmental activities and be equally privileged, responsible and accountable in all aspects of developmental endeavor like the more developed regions of our nation; thereby, creating a common economic society within the nation.
Therefore, Hidar 29 is not simply a one day festivity but also an occasion where variety of developmental projects are under-taken that will have a long lasting developmental benefits to the people at large of the Region and indeed to the Nation as a whole as well.
The most important part of the festivity of the Day is without doubt the show of the main stake-holders of the Day: The Ethiopian Nation, Nationalities and Peoples.
This parade that includes musical and cultural show of the Ethiopians Nation, Nationalities and Peoples is simply spectacular and captivating for any spectator to see and admit the richness and depth of the Ethio-culture tradition.
This fascinating and breath-taking show that exemplifies the harmony of the Ethiopian people during good and bad times also shows the unity in diversity of the Ethiopian people. It is also a demonstration of the commitment of the Ethiopian people to join hands in order to get-rid of poverty and illiteracy and enhance development and prosperity once and for all.
Finally, the day ends with a show case of a fire work to the delight of the people of the host city. Shining and bright fire work made Hidar 29 a truly remarkable and simply unforgettable festival: Hedar 29 celebration signifies unity among the Ethiopian people who come from every corner of the country and abroad. It also demonstrates and gives a clear message to everyone that the Ethiopian people are as always united and strong. It also shows that Ethiopians do like peace, democracy and stability and are working hard to put their country forward through investment and development.
This time around, the 13th Ethiopian nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day will be celebrated in Addis Ababa and that will simply be marvelous and indeed stunning. Where else can this Remarkable Day be celebrated than in Addis Ababa: the diplomatic capital of Africa.
From the very outset, the people of Addis have been ready and willing to host this remarkable day after it was announced that they will follow Afar’s wonderful accomplishment. The traditionally generous people of Addis are anxious waiting for the people who would arrive at Addis from every corner of our nation.
The people of Addis call their guest “our people”. So in effect, the people of Addis are currently waiting for their own people to come to their beautiful city: The People of Addis will host their people in an extra ordinary and in an unprecedented and unparalleled manner. And what a grand and unforgettable reception it will be! It will be simply amazing. Let the positive and constructive competition to make Hidar 29 vibrant continue. Long live Hidar 29.
Herald December 8/2018
BY YOHANNES GEBRESILLASIE (PhD)
