Thousands of people celebrate a major who will rule for only eight years

Thousands of people are gathering in southern Ethiopia for one of the country’s largest cultural programs.

The week -long Gada ceremony, which ended on Sunday, sees the official transfer of electricity from a customic ruler to his successor – something that happens every eight years.

The tradition of regularly appointing a new ABBAA Gadaa has been practiced by the Borna community for centuries – and they gather at the rural site of Arda district Badhasa near Ethiopian city of Erero.

This is the time to celebrate their cultural heritage along with their special form of democracy, with each age group the opportunity to wear its various traditional organizations.

They are paraded a day before the official handover during a procession when married women march with wood baton, called “Sinki”.

Baton has symbolic values ​​of safety for women, which use them during conflict.

If a Sinki stick is placed on the ground by a married woman between two quarrelsome parties, it means that the conflict should be immediately excluded with respect.

During the procession, small women move the front, different from different colors of their clothes are different from married women.

In this rustic society, women are excluded from the top power of Abba mace, who are sitting in the council of elders or have been introduced in the system as a child.

But their important role can be seen during the festival as they build all the houses for the week -week – and prepare all food.

And the unique Gada system of governance, which was added to the UN Cultural Heritage List in 2016, allows them to participate in regular community meetings and give their opinion to Abba mace.

Gada’s membership is only open to boys whose father is already members – young initiative has shaved his head in Crown to clarify his rank.

The smaller the circle, the larger it is.

Global cultural body as UNESCO reportOral historians took the initiative about “history, law, rituals, time calculations, universe science, myths, rules of conduct and mace system”.

Training for boys starts at the age of eight years.

Later, they will be evaluated to their ability as future leaders.

As they grow up, tests include barefoot walking barefoot, slaughtering cattle efficiently and showing kind to fellow initiatives.

Headpieces made of cowri shells are traditionally worn by young trainees. Permission to wear them is only other people by elderly women.

Both groups are revered by members of the Borrana community.

Men between 28 to 32 years of age are identified with the wings of the ostrich they are worn, known as “Balli” in Afan Oromo language.

His presence at the Gada ceremony is an opportunity to learn, prepare and bond as it is already known that Abba Gada will take power in 2033 from this age group.

The main event at the recent Gada ceremony was power, from 48 -year -old Abba Gada to his younger successor.

Wel-Vilisters crossed the border from Kenya and others traveled as Adis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to see the spectacle. The Governor of Marsbit County, Kenya, was one of the respected guests.

The thirty -seven -year -old Gayo Boru Gayo was selected to lead a spear here, to lead a spear because he impressed the elders’ council during his teenage age.

He becomes the 72nd Abba mace and will now look after the Borena community in Southern Ethiopia and North -West Kenya.

As his top diplomat, he will also be responsible for resolving a quarrel that leads his head for the rustic people.

These often include disputes over cattle raids and access to water in this dried area.

During his eight years, his successors will complete their training to work in the continuity of this generation -old tradition.

Additional reporting by Natasha loot.