The victory of Adwa, dubbed”An African Victory”, is celebrated every year on the 1st of March to commemorate the victory Ethiopia took over the Italian army at the final battlefront of the mountains of Adwa. This day marks a significant value for Africans and black people across the world facing the pain of colonialism and slavery, proving for the first time that a white army could be defeated by warriors of black descent. It was ever since then that anti-colonial movements arose to light and most colonised countries in Africa begun to claim their freedom.
Guzo Adwa, a movement that was started 9 years ago, aimed to bring a unique way to commemorate the sacrifice paid for freedom by our brave forefathers as they set out to defend their motherland from all corners of the country. What better way is there to celebrate such a historic day other than going back in time and reimagining the journey?
The Guzo Adwa Team travels for 46 days on foot from Addis Ababa to the battlegrounds of Adwa covering a distance of more than 1000 Kilometers, aiming to pay tributes to those who marched that nerve-wracking journey, not just from Addis but from every corner of the country to the mountains of Adwa and paid the ultimate sacrifice in blood and flesh. As there was no means of modern transport 126 years back, Ethiopians then walked on foot and rid on mules and horses for thousands of kilometers to face the invading Italian army. In resemblance of that, The Guzo Adwa Team, begin their journey from Addis, and take on the journey north, passing through villages and towns, recieving blessings, cheers and chants, and accompanied by people that bring food and drinks with love to refresh the journeymen.
Unfortunately, due to the situation in the Northern Part of our country, it is currently not possible to hold this remarkable journey and this year, a rather special way is planned to commemorate the day: a musical theatre that shows the 8 year long journey of Guzo Adwa and a Grand photo exhibition of all the 8 journeys held so far.
As much as we miss Guzo Adwa, we sincerely wish things to simmer down in our country and see Ethiopia in it’s true colors: Peace, Love and Unity.
I was part of the Guzo Adwa 7 team, 2 years back and here are some photographs I captured along the way.
Michael is a travel photographer here in Ethiopia
instagram.com/mickey.251