Ethiopians celebrate the new boss of Boran Aa Gada Gayo Boru

Thousands of people gather in southern Ethiopia for one of the largest cultural events in the country.

The GADA weekly ceremony, which ended on Sunday, sees the official transfer of power from a common ruler to his heir – something that happens every eight years.

The traditional regular appointment of a new Abbas has been practiced by the Boran Community for centuries – and see them gather at the Arda Jila award, near the Ethiopian city of Aerro.

It is time to celebrate their special form of democracy, as well as their cultural heritage, with each age group using the opportunity to wear their various traditional outfits.

They are parked the day before the official show during a procession when married women march with wooden sticks called “Siinqee”.

Balconies have symbolic values ​​to protect women who use them during conflict.

If a Siinqee stick is placed on the ground by a married woman between two quarrel parties, it means that the conflict must stop immediately with respect.

During the procession, the younger women lead to the front, distinguished from married women in different colors of their clothing.

In this pastoral society, women are excluded from holding the supreme power of Abbaa Gadaa, sitting on the Council of Elders or being initiated in the system as a child.

But their important role can be seen during the festival, as they build all the accommodation for those who remain for the week – and prepare all the food.

And the unique GADA management system, which was added to the UN cultural heritage list in 2016, allows them to attend regular community meetings and express their opinion on Abbaa Gadaa.

GADA membership is only open to boys whose fathers are already members – young initiates have their heads shaved to the crown to clarify their rank.

The smaller the circle, the more diligent it is.

As reports the Global Cultural Body UNESCOOral historians learn young dedicated to “history, laws, rituals, time reading, cosmology, myths, rules of behavior and function of the GADA system.”

The training for boys begins at eight years.

They will later be evaluated for their potential as future leaders.

As they grow, the tests involve long -distance barefoot walking, effectively killing cattle and displaying kindness to colleagues.

The bosses made from Cowrie’s shells are traditionally worn by young interns. The only other people allowed to wear them are elderly women.

Both groups are revered by members of the Boran Community.

Men between the ages of 28 and 32 are identified by the ostrich feathers they carry, who are known in English as “Bali”

Their visit to the GADA ceremony is an opportunity to learn, prepare and connect, as it is already known who Abaa’s Delight from this age group will take power in 2033.

The main event of the recent GADA ceremony was the transfer of power-from the outbound 48-year-old Aba Gada to his younger.

The well -wishers crossed the border from Kenya, while others traveled to the capital of Ethiopia, Adis Ababa, to witness the spectacle. The governor of the Marsiti County in Kenya was among the respected guests.

Thirty -seven -year -old Gio Boru Gayo, seen here, who holds a spear, was chosen to lead because he impressed the advice of elders during his teenage years.

It becomes the 72nd Abbas and will now monitor the Borane community in Ethiopia and the northworthy Kenya.

As their best diplomat, he will also be responsible for solving feuds who raise the heads of pastoral.

They often include an attack on livestock and disputes over access to water in the area, predisposed to drought.

During his eight years, his successor will finish his education to take work for this generations tradition.

Additional reporting from Booty Natasha.