Adwa Victory Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, March 2nd. There are until the next observance.

Adwa Victory Day is an Ethiopian national holiday celebrated on March 2 every year. This day commemorates Ethiopia’s triumph against Italy in 1896. After many years of battle and war with Italy, Ethiopia was able to beat Italian forces and achieve victory in the northern town of Adwa. People come out into the streets, hold parades, and recount ancient stories to pay honor to their ancestors who helped modern-day Ethiopians gain their freedom from European dominion. This day is significant because it marks the celebration of Ethiopian sovereignty.

📆 When is Adwa Victory Day?

This year, Adwa Victory Day is on March 2nd. It is the 1st Thursday in March; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

Countdown to Adwa Victory Day

Did you know: Farmers, pastoralists, and women fought alongside traditional soldiers in the Ethiopian army.

You can also view all cool things you didn’t know about and facts about March 2, 2023.

📜 History of Adwa Victory Day

Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy in 1889 in exchange for further financial and military assistance. However, preparations were altered when it was revealed that there were substantial variations between the Italian and Ethiopian versions of the pact. The Italians thought that the deal would lead to Italy taking over Ethiopia.

This misunderstanding resulted in the First Italo-Ethiopian War in 1895. The Italians enjoyed some early success in the conflict, but Ethiopian soldiers utterly defeated their opponents in the Battle of Adwa. The battle was a devastating setback for the Italians, forcing them to flee to their homeland. The battle of Adwa was notable because it was the first time an African country defeated a European colonial force. This struggle was considered the inspiration for the Pan-African Movement, which would extend throughout the African continent in the twentieth century and rid it of its colonial rulers.

In October 1896, another treaty was concluded in which Italy acknowledged Ethiopia as an independent state. This was the Addis Abeba Treaty.

☑️ Adwa Victory Day facts

The Battle guaranteed Ethiopia’s independence
Ethiopia is the only African country that has never been colonized, thanks to its victory in the Battle of Adwa.

The enemy in close quarters
The settlement of Adwa sits on Eritrea’s southern border, which was seized by Italian forces.

Ethiopia’s very own writing system
Ethiopians created their own liturgical language, Geez.

Things to do on Adwa Victory Day

Talk to people about this day
The greatest approach to raising awareness is through communication. Make people aware of this significant day by having a conversation about it.

Read up
Reading historical texts on the Battle of Adwa will transport you to the battle.

Watch a documentary
Documentaries are ideal for those who enjoy visual storytelling. On the internet, look for a film about this momentous day.

📅 Adwa Victory Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2024 March 2 Saturday
2025 March 2 Sunday
2026 March 2 Monday
2027 March 2 Tuesday
2028 March 2 Thursday

Discover all March holidays, including and other Civic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Adwa Victory Day. So be sure to check back soon.