The Budo Keso holiday, a significant celebration for the Yezise ethnic group in Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone, has been marked with a call for reconciliation and forgiveness. As the community transitions into a new year, it is perceived as an opportunity to renounce past grievances and embrace a spirit of peace.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Budo Keso for Unity and Progress,” underscored the significance of cultivating harmony and advancement within the community. In her address, Alemitu Yosef, Speaker of the Gamo Zone People’s Council General Assembly, emphasised the necessity of promoting cultural heritage while simultaneously adopting a forward-thinking approach. She exhorted the attendees to abandon outmoded perspectives and embrace progress.

Alemayew Zeite, General Administrator of the Arbaminch surrounding woreda, expressed a similar viewpoint, advocating for constructive dialogue and collaboration as means of addressing challenges and identifying solutions.

Budo Keso

Budo Keso

The Budo Keso holiday represents a period of introspection and preparation for the Zeissie tribe, one of three ethnic groups in the Gamo Zone. It is a time for the tribe to reflect on the past year and consider the future. The festival is marked by traditional ceremonies, including the lighting of candles and the celebration of rites in the Zeissie language.

The event was attended by representatives of the regional, zone, and local governments, as well as elders, community leaders, and invited guests. The celebration serves to illustrate the rich cultural heritage of the Gamo Zone and the significance of unity and progress.

Significance of Budo Keso

Budo Keso is a significant cultural event that transcends the boundaries of a mere holiday. It is a period during which the Yezise people are encouraged to unite and reinforce the ties that bind them together. It is an occasion for introspection, enabling an assessment of the preceding year’s achievements and setbacks, and the formulation of future objectives.

Budo Keso

Furthermore, the holiday provides an opportunity to celebrate the Zeissie culture and traditions.

Importance of Unity

Budo Keso is a time for the Yezise people to come together and reaffirm their unity, which is a fundamental aspect of their cultural identity. The holiday serves as a reminder that the Yezise people constitute a single community and that they must support one another. In a world that is often characterised by division, Budo Keso provides an opportunity for the Yezise people to unite and celebrate their shared identity.

Budo Keso

Reflection and Renewal

Additionally, Budo Keso provides an opportunity for introspection and regeneration. The holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the preceding year and to gain insights from both positive and negative experiences. Furthermore, it is an occasion for the formulation of future objectives and the elaboration of strategies for their attainment. Budo Keso represents an opportunity for the Yezise people to reaffirm their dedication to their community and cultural heritage.

Celebration of Culture

Budo Keso is a celebration of the Zeissie culture and traditions. The holiday provides an opportunity to observe and appreciate various aspects of Zeissie culture, including music, dance, cuisine, and artistic traditions. It is an occasion for the Yezise people to disseminate their cultural heritage to one another and to the global community.

Budo Keso

Budo Keso

Celebrating Budo Keso

The Budo Keso holiday is celebrated through a series of traditional ceremonies and events. Such ceremonies and events include:

The lighting ceremony is a significant event in the context of the festival. The ceremony is held on the eve of Budo Keso. The ceremony symbolises the expulsion of darkness and the advent of light.
* Prayer ceremony: The ceremony is conducted on the morning of Budo Keso. This period is dedicated to prayer by the Yezise people, with the intention of fostering peace, unity, and prosperity.
* Feasting: Budo Keso is a period of feasting and celebration. Traditional Zeissie dishes are prepared and consumed in a communal setting.
* Dancing and singing: Dancing and singing constitute an integral aspect of the Budo Keso festivities. The traditional Zeissie songs and dances are performed, with participation from individuals of all age groups.

Budo Keso

Budo Keso

Budo Keso

Budo Keso

In conclusion, the Budo Keso holiday represents an opportunity for the Yezise people to unite, celebrate their cultural heritage, and anticipate the future. It is a period during which reflection, forgiveness and unity are promoted. As the Gamo Zone continues to develop, it is evident that the Budo Keso holiday will continue to play an important role within the community.

The Budo Keso holiday is of great significance to the Yezise people. The occasion provides an opportunity for the community to unite, reflect, renew, and celebrate. The holiday serves as a reminder of the significance of community, culture, and tradition.

Ethiopia Autonomous Media

Related Publications