Public holidayNational

Victory of Adwaየአድዋ ድል በዓል

Name: Victory of Adwa (Ye'adwa Dil)
Start: 2027-03-02
Location: Ethiopia

March 2, 2027 · Yekatit 23, 2019 E.C. · in 145 days

Adwa Victory Day commemorates one of the most consequential battles in African history: on 1 March 1896, Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul decisively defeated an invading Italian army near the northern town of Adwa. The victory secured Ethiopia's independence and made it a lasting symbol of African resistance to colonial rule.

The Battle of Adwa

In the scramble for Africa, Italy sought to make Ethiopia a colony, exploiting a disputed treaty to claim a protectorate. Menelik II rejected the claim and, when war came, rallied a vast national army drawn from across the country. Empress Taytu played a decisive role in both strategy and the field.

On 1 March 1896 the Ethiopian forces met and routed the Italian army at Adwa. The scale of the victory was without precedent: an African nation had defeated a European colonial power in open battle, forcing Italy to recognise Ethiopia's sovereignty.

Why Adwa still matters

Adwa became a beacon far beyond Ethiopia's borders — an inspiration to pan-African and anti-colonial movements throughout the twentieth century, and a source of enduring national pride. It is remembered as proof that independence could be defended and won.

Each year the anniversary is marked with public ceremonies, wreath-laying, torch-lit processions and celebrations, most prominently in Addis Ababa and in Adwa itself.

Greetings in Amharic

መልካም የአድዋ ድል በዓልMelkam Ye'adwa Dil Be'al“Happy Victory of Adwa day”

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Victory of Adwa (Ye'adwa Dil) greeting card to share — Amharic — Greeting card
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Frequently asked questions

When is Adwa Victory Day?

Adwa Victory Day falls on Yekatit 23 in the Ethiopian calendar, which corresponds to 2 March on the Gregorian calendar in most years (1 March in some). It marks the anniversary of the 1896 Battle of Adwa.

Why is the Battle of Adwa so important?

It was a decisive victory of an African nation over a European colonial power, securing Ethiopia's independence and inspiring anti-colonial and pan-African movements worldwide.