Arba Minch, is looking forward to welcoming thousands of Ethiopians, if not millions. And in the lead up to such a colorful annual carnival of the Ethiopian version, the host city, known for its stunning tourist attractions, has been making efforts. Things are now in order ahead of the nation’s gathering of nations, nationalities and peoples' diverse culture and identity.
This year the festival is scheduled to take place from November 25th to 29th, 2017, in Arba Minch, with the city eagerly anticipating the arrival of cultural troupes from all regions in the county, including the president and heads of regional states.
The day, as many scholars cheer it up, has created opportunities for ethnic groups across the country to closely know one another, demonstrating their virtues and treasures, showing their untold identity to fellow Ethiopians,---which was sadly condemned not to be noticed nearly until recently.
It’s pretty true that occasions of such a thing are of huge significance for creating a landscape for statecraft. As groups gather in their typical identity, they feel respected, valued and understood, further creating viable contexts for nations to get a sort of opportunity to show their real identity to the rest of the nation, and they equally have the room to learn more about respective nations and nationalities.
The day also can be used as a stop for the nations to evaluate historic errors, to correct twisted rhetoric and unwelcoming preaches which might have been spread with a hidden motive to distort history with badmouth. The day as PM Abiy Ahmed hailed at the annual festival last year would pave the way for Ethiopia and its historians to take a pause and amend long twisted errors, some of which might be potentially dangerous if not timely corrected.
It is crystal clear that nations and nationalities have made sacrifices in the nation building, equally fell in the attempt of state crafting, though few dare to favor some groups over the other. Ethiopia today is made of Ethiopians entirely, no group contributed neither lesser nor greater than the other as it is twisted in some crooked narratives crafted for ill motives.
It’s boldly spelt that despite differences of religion, geography and physiological makeup, Ethiopians have transcended the test of time, have remained united and interwoven by a common thread which is unbreakable bond.
Nations, nationalities and peoples are connected with shared history, culture, and values. Their unity is the foundation on which the nation stands. And the day takes the credit for being a cohesive device to further shaping the present and the future. The unique carnival involved can foster a sense of belongingness, shared identity and mutual understanding.
In fact, our distant past was not spotless---as it was everywhere in the world, Ethiopians endured some unfriendly episodes of history, not all groups were treated equally and fairly.
The historical injustices suffered by certain groups, resulting in their marginalization and lack of opportunity, are irreversible. However, this December 9th, Ethiopians are urged to transcend their past divisions and learn from past mistakes, working together to forge a shared future.