During one of my "reset" travels to Addis Ababa, I visited their large Merkato clothing market where you see a huge display of their clothing and fashion heritage.
When the idea of visiting Merkato market came up, they spoke about it casually, but nothing prepared me for the sheer scale of it. For me, it was the fun that filled my heart was there was more to be unveiled.
Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Upon alighting from our vehicle, we stated the stroll through the entrance of the market and my eye could see as far as nearly a kilometr of deep fahion display.
It turned out that the fashion excursion would turn out to be a fitness walk. I mean I trekked over 3km put together. You know there are walks that exercise your body, and there are walks that quiet your soul. Mine did both.
From the first few steps into the market, I was surrounded by fabric, raw and finished. What struck me most was the diversity. There were handwoven habesha kemis with intricate borders, shawls carefully arranged in neat piles, and modern adaptations of native designs. Some vendors sat behind sewing machines, adjusting hems or adding finishing touches. Others stood confidently, inviting passersby to feel the texture of the cloth. It was commerce as well as heritage on display.
Of notable view was their Habesha Kemis (or simply Kemis in Amharic). The clothing in the image is a classic example of a traditional Ethiopian women's dress. This style is a staple of Ethiopian (and often Eritrean) cultural attire, particularly among the Habesha peoples (including Amhara, Tigray, and related groups). It is widely worn for special occasions such as weddings, holidays (like Timkat or Meskel), religious ceremonies, coffee ceremonies, graduations, and other festive or formal events.
The market stretched on and on. Every turn opened into another lane, another cluster of stalls, another wave of color. At some point, I stopped checking the time and lo, we have been walking for nearly two hours.
Interestingly, despite the crowd, the walk felt soothing. Perhaps it was the repetition of patterns in the fabrics, or the steady pace I maintained. Watching a vendor carefully fold a dress reminded me that behind every product is a person with skillful hands and creative heart.
As I walked through, it dawn on me that culture is not only preserved in glass cases but worn daily by ordinary people. These were not museum pieces; they were clothes meant for weddings, church services, festivals, and everyday pride. The clothes represent their identity.
By the time I completed what I estimate to be about 3 kilometers, my legs felt the distance, but my mind felt lighter. The walk was simply reflective.
Images captured with my phone
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