In the vibrant northern Nigerian city of Kano, a week-long spectacle of color and excitement unfolded as 1,500 couples exchanged vows at a mass wedding. Over days, bridal parties and their families bustled through the streets, preparing outfits and attending organized events. On Friday, brides adorned in red hijabs and grooms in matching red hats and white robes visited the palace of the Emir for the main ceremony, becoming officially married. The nuptials culminated on Saturday with a wedding breakfast hosted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. This initiative, funded by the Kano state government to the tune of 1.5bn naira ($1m; £815,000), aims to support low-income individuals who cannot afford the significant financial costs associated with marriage. The annual event, initiated in 2012, has grown each year and now includes those in polygamous Muslim marriages. This year, 5,000 couples applied, but only a select few were chosen after thorough vetting by Kano's Islamic police force (Hisbah), who scrutinize applicants to ensure they are genuine love matches rather than fraudsters seeking benefits. Despite the government's efforts, some applicants have attempted to deceive the authorities, altering their medical test results or attempting to present themselves as intending pairs even if already married. This year's struggling economy has fueled desperation among applicants, making some people desperate to secure a place on the list. The Islamic police force assures the public that the entire process is free and stresses its commitment to ensuring transparency in the selection process. One of the successful grooms, 43-year-old clothes trader Rabiu Yusuf, reported a smooth application process, while his new bride Aisha Auwal expressed satisfaction with the process. Despite challenges in identifying genuine applicants, the mass weddings continue to offer hope and a new beginning for many low-income couples in Kano.