A grand spectacle is set to unfold in Ethiopia as a thousand couples are poised to embark on the journey of matrimony together on a single day.
Facilitating this monumental event, Yament Events has formalized a partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, solidifying their commitment to unite couples and celebrate the institution of marriage.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Yament Events and the Ministry of Culture and Sports marks a pivotal moment in the endeavor to address challenges related to family formation.
This ambitious project, known as ‘Yeshi Gabicha’ or ‘Marriage of Thousands’ is positioned as a national initiative to foster family bonds and alleviate difficulties associated with building families.
Scheduled to take place at the Addis Ababa Millennium Hall on January 14, 2024, the wedding ceremony aims to bring together a thousand couples under the overarching theme that “establishing a family is building a nation.”
This annual carnival of mass marriage seeks not only to strengthen interpersonal connections but also to showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage to visitors.
The mass wedding planner anticipates an impressive turnout of 250,000 attendees, all set to witness the simultaneous union of a thousand couples.
The organizers harbor aspirations to break the world record for the highest number of marriages conducted simultaneously. The momentous occasion is slated for January 14, 2024, in Addis Ababa.
In addition to the matrimonial proceedings, the event will serve as a platform to showcase Ethiopian cultural clothing, traditional cuisine, and the art of coffee brewing.
The organizers envision this celebration becoming a recurring annual event, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the region.
The grandeur of this joint mass marriage festival is expected to draw visitors not only from within Ethiopia but also from around the world, akin to events like the Great Run of Ethiopia organized by renowned world championship athlete Haile Gebresilassie.
It is worth noting that Ethiopia had previously witnessed a similar event 16 years ago, where a thousand couples tied the knot at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa.
However, the tradition had waned over the years, and this revival aims to recapture the spirit of unity and celebration.
Despite these grand gestures of communal union, there is a sobering reality regarding marital stability in Ethiopia.
The country has experienced a surge in divorces, with over 4,000 marriages ending in Addis Ababa alone last year. The city’s municipal agency reported a total of 39,000 marriages in 2022, indicating a 60% increase in divorces compared to the previous year.
Various factors contribute to the rising divorce rates, including the soaring cost of living, a decline in conflict resolution through dialogue, and other societal changes.
As Ethiopia prepares for this extraordinary celebration of love and unity, it also grapples with the challenges that confront modern marriages, adding a layer of complexity to the cultural and social landscape.
