Attend Wedding ceremonies
February is a sunny season thus anyone interested can organize outdoor ceremonies without any concern. The fact that there is no fasting is also go-ahead for weddings, parties and other celebrations. It is an auspicious time for Ethiopian couples to throw a wedding party.
Whoever wants to have a glimpse of what Ethiopian weddings look like will not find a better time. If there is anyone you know having a wedding or if you are invited for such an occasion don’t hesitate to go. You will find yourself in the middle of an elaborated and at times fantasy wedding. You will bear witness to glamorous looks of the bride and groom.
The colorful and stylish dress of guests, eye-catching decorations of stages, hot local and international music’s, elation of celebrants and array of mouth-watering traditional dishes, electrifying vibe that arouses the unmarried to tie the knot are but to mention some of the overarching impressions.
What else makes attending wedding worth it? The recently inaugurated Friendship Park hosts wedding ceremonies and you will find yourself in large wedding ceremonies of several brides and grooms being held in the same day. If you are in the countryside, you can also witness pristine wedding ceremonies with traditional outfit, songs and meals.
Visit the countryside
The rainy season poses challenges to go around and visit places but the dry February makes the countryside penetrable. You can go deep inside and look the fields, check the much-talked hospitality of Ethiopian farmers and be served inside thatched huts.
Also whether it is being harvested or just be sown depends on the produce and which corner of the country you go. But you don’t miss fields covered with grains like wheat, barely Teff and others. You could also see farmers collecting harvests. Most importantly, if you go to the countryside you would meet Ethiopian hardworking farmers. You can spend time eating local foods and drinks. Seeing things first hand you will know more about Ethiopia than any means of information or informer. You can be blessed by their humility and generosity. The scenes are amazing affording you serenity.
Admire Nature, breeze clean air
If you have the budget, this point in the timeline is also a perfect time to hiking and visiting wild life. Ethiopia has several national parks in different corners hosting various plant specious, endemic animals and unique sceneries. Lakes and rivers inside parks also provide the chance of seeing animals living in water. Watching crocodiles, ducks and fisheries refreshes the mind.
It depends on your choice whether to go hiking near the capital or go far to Arba Minch, Bale or Gondar. The beautiful Suba Menagesha Forest is just 35 kilometers from the Addis Ababa. Hiking, bird watching and picnicking in the environment have become customary these days. The forest has a decade-long history of tourism. The place’s different species make it alluring and comfortable to gather, chat and camp.
You could also watch the globally threatened species, including the iconic Walia ibex; a wild mountain goat– found nowhere else in the world– the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf in Simien National Park.
Bale Mountains, Nech Sar and other national parks also offer diversified vegetation and specious of animals.
Participate in remembrance of Ethiopian martyrs
Ethiopia is famed for the bravery of its people. Their unity and resolution against aggression have been tested and proved inviolable many times. This wasn’t an easy accomplishment. They have paid ultimate price to protect their sovereignty; culture, faith and dignity. Yekatit 12 is one of the days a multitude of Ethiopians fallen defying western colonization. It is the day Abraha Deboch and Mogus Asgedom attempted to assassinate Rodolfo Graziani, governor of Italian East Africa. In a knee-Jerk action Graizani responded vengefully and brutally and more than 30,000 Ethiopians were killed in three days.
“Comrades, today is the day when we should show our devotion to our Viceroy by reacting and destroying the Ethiopians for three days. For three days I give you carte blanche to destroy and kill and do what you want to the Ethiopians, “he was recorded saying.
By going to this event, you could know about Ethiopian history, meet Ethiopian patriots, history enthusiasts, watch traditional outfits and listen to Ethiopian war songs that encourage heroism and togetherness.
Go to Concerts, exhibitions
February is a half way through the year in Ethiopian calendar. People want to rest and summon their energy to finish the year maintaining their productivity. So, in resting and refreshing yourself you can participate in concerts, exhibitions and art festivals. A number of similar activities take place as the month is favorable to organize outdoor ceremonies and many people take vacation leave.
Lately pubs and night clubs are amusing fans by inviting stars like Aster Aweke, Bezuayehu Demessie and Henock Abebe. Watching music legends perform live is a rare chance. .
Art exhibitions are being held in big hotels, exhibition centers and gallery houses. You can drop in and even buy paintings from artists who are making names worldwide. The exhibitions will let you to get acquainted with the art community thereby learn Ethiopia tradition of painting and its great artists.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2023
