Top 10 Highlights of the Agew Equestrian Festival: Celebrating 82 Years of History & Culture

Agew Equestrian Festival is an annual cultural event held in Injibara, Ethiopia’s Amhara region that marks the 82nd anniversary of the Agew Equestrian Association. The festival celebrates the member’s participation in the struggle against Italian fascist invaders and is characterized by cultural activities such as chanting, horse racing, dancing performances, and more. The festival has a rich history dating back to the 1930s when the people of Agew Awi joined forces with other patriots to wage guerrilla warfare against the Italian invaders using their horse-riding skills. The festival is a commemoration of the role horses played in the battle and is a celebration of the region’s rich equestrian tradition. The festival is well underway to get inscribed by UNESCO. In this article, we will be discussing 10 things to know about the Agew Equestrian Festival.

1. Agew Equestrian Festival is a celebration of the 82nd anniversary of the Agew Equestrian Association and its participation in the struggle against Italian fascist invaders.
2. The festival is being held in Injibara town, Amhara region in Ethiopia and includes various cultural activities such as chanting, horse racing, and dancing performances.
3. The festival has historical significance as the people of Agew Awi (Sebat Bet Agew) used their horse riding skills to fight against the Italian invaders in the 1930s.
4. The Agew Awi Zone is an autonomous zone in the Amhara state, located in the South and South West of the state capital, Bahir Dar.
5. The name Sebat Bet Agew (seven family of Agew) comes from seven brothers; Ankesha, Banja, Kuakura, Dangila, Metekel, Zigem and Azena.
6. After the defeat of the Italian invaders, the Sebat Bet Agew Equestrian Association was established to commemorate the role of horses and St. George in clearing the invading army from the land.
7. The festival is named after St. George to remember the role of St. George’s knighthood during the war. Horsemen or riders perform sportive competitions during the festival.
8. The Agew Equestrian Association was founded by 25 individuals in 1940 and has grown to include about 50,000 members from nine Woredas of the zone.
9. The festival is celebrated annually on the 23rd Tir (January 30), dedicated to St. George who is believed to have contributed to the Battle of Adwa.
10. Apart from being a commemoration festival, the event also plays a role in conflict resolution, promoting cooperation, and serves as a traditional court which is more acceptable to the community than formal legal institutions. The association is open to anyone above 18 years of age and plays a role in various societal activities, including reconciliation, funerals, and joy.