Adwa Victory Day
The Adwa Victory Day () is a national holiday in Ethiopia which is celebrated on 2 March, in commemoration of Ethiopian victory against Italy's colonization effort at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. Paying tribute to the Ethiopian army, the celebration involves parades, dramatic and artistic performances reflecting Ethiopian culture. The Adwa Victory Day is strongly associated with symbol of Pan-Africanism and aspiration to black people. Celebration Celebration involves parades in many places and cultural reflection wherever people gathered. Artistic and dramatic performances are also presented, such as kererto, shilela and fukera. All schools, banks, post offices and government offices are closed, with the exception of health facilities. Some taxi and public transportation services choose not to operate on this day, and shops are normally open but most close earlier than usual. In the capital Addis Ababa, government officials, patriots, foreign diplomats and the public gather at Menelik Square while Ethiopian Police Orchestra play patriotic songs. Male performers often wear Jodhpurs and various types of vest; they carry the Ethiopian flag and various patriotic banners and placards, as well as traditional Ethiopian shields and swords called Shotel. Female performers wear traditional dress called Habesha kemis and some wear black gowns