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Mass wedding hits Ethiopian capital - 24th Jan 2024

An extraordinary mass wedding for hundreds of couples has been held in Addis Ababa. Uniting people from around Ethiopia, it was a celebration of the diverse cultures of Africa's second most populous country.

The richness of the varied cultures, together with the event's affordability, made the day stand out for bride Gadise Zabana, of the Oromo people.

Gadise Zabana: "It is so pleasing to get wed like this with many people from different cultures and we also save ourselves from wedding expenses."

According to the organisers, the mass wedding was the first such event in over a decade – a decline caused partly by the pandemic. The sponsors hope that such remarkable festivities will positively impact tourism in Ethiopia, a country perhaps best known as the birthplace of coffee.

It's also a country which boasts over 80 languages, with five official languages. There's high excitement as the couples parade through the streets towards the venue. Although predominantly clothed in white, each outfit represents the traditions and culture of the various tribes and regions of origin.

Groom Workeneh Assefa, an Amharic speaker, appreciates the originality all of this lends to his special day. It's apparent not only in the clothing, but in the unique blend of music and dance.

Workeneh Assefa: "There are so many distinct cultural attires and wedding songs which makes this unique. Mass wedding is pleasing. We are delighted."

The shared occasion gives the newlyweds a wedding day to remember, permitting them to celebrate in an affordable manner. It's a time to create new connections too, which matters most for organiser Eshetu Geletu.

Eshetu Geletu: "Building a family is building a nation. That is the main objective of our project."