Victory at Adwa Day in Ethiopia
Victory at Adwa Day is Ethiopia’s national holiday on March 2, commemorating the country’s victory over Italian forces at Adwa in 1896. The date is set by federal law, which also provides for a nationwide observance and federal ceremonies.[1][2]
A national holiday on March 2
Ethiopia’s Proclamation No. 1334/2024 names March 2 as Adwa Victory Day, one of the country’s celebrated national holidays. It applies across Ethiopia and provides for governmental and non-governmental institutions to close for public service on the day. The proclamation also says employees’ salaries are not to be deducted because they do not work on a public holiday.[1]
The law assigns the federal celebration to the Ministry of Defense. It calls for a cannon to be fired at 6 a.m. on the holiday and for a government official to send a greeting through public media on its eve. The proclamation sets the date but does not describe a general rule for moving the observance when it coincides with a weekend.[1]
The victory remembered
The Battle of Adwa was fought on March 1, 1896, between Ethiopian forces under Menilek II and Italian forces. The Ethiopians defeated the invading army. In October that year, Italy signed the Peace Treaty of Addis Ababa, annulled the earlier Wechale agreement and recognized Ethiopia’s independence.[2]
For Ethiopia, the commemoration recalls resistance to Italian expansion and the defense of the country’s independence. The victory also drew international attention: the Encyclopaedia Africana account notes that Menilek gained international prestige and that foreign governments sent envoys to establish relations with him in the months that followed.[2]
Ceremonies and public events
The proclamation requires a nationwide celebration and gives the Ministry of Defense responsibility for organizing the federal observance. Ethiopian News Agency reporting on a national commemoration described military parades and marching bands as events held across the country, with the central gathering at Addis Ababa’s Adwa Victory Memorial. A later Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation report described national leaders laying wreaths at the memorial.[1][3][4]
Ask locally about particular clothing, family meals, coffee ceremonies or other regional traditions.[3][4]
What to expect on the day
Governmental and non-governmental institutions close for public service under the proclamation. It requires essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, public transport, utilities and security services to continue. Hotels, cafes, restaurants, groceries, commercial shops and stores may operate, so opening hours can vary by business.[1]
Travelers may find public transport available, but individual services and business hours should be checked locally. National holidays require transport to be provided; check locally for recurring road diversions or specific bank opening arrangements for Adwa Victory Day.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Victory at Adwa Day?
It is observed nationwide on March 2, the date specified in Ethiopia’s public-holidays proclamation.[1]
Is it a day off?
Yes. The law lists it as a celebrated national holiday and says governmental and non-governmental institutions close for public service. It also protects employees’ salaries for the holiday.[1]
What is likely to be open?
The law requires essential services, including hospitals, pharmacies and public transport, to operate. Restaurants, groceries and shops may open, but individual businesses can set their own hours.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Victory at Adwa Day in Ethiopia:
- Proclamation to Determine Public Holidays and Celebration of Public Holidays - Proclamation No. 1334/2024- Ethiopian Federal Laws (online text hosted by MetaAppz)
- ETHIOPIA - Encyclopaedia Africana- Encyclopaedia Africana
- ENDF Gears Up Preparations to Colorfully Celebrate 129th Adwa Victory Day- Ethiopian News Agency
- President Taye Atske Selassie Honors Adwa Martyrs at 130th Anniversary Ceremony- Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation