Essence of DOPE
Posts tagged Enkutatash
Delicious food helps Ethiopians mark Enkutatash
Sep 7th
Labor Day might mark the end of summer for some, but in Ethiopia, September means the springtime celebration of a new year.
by Laura Hautala. Posted: Monday, August 6, 2010
A stew of beef tibs atop injera bread accompanies salad, grilled corn, and dapo bread.
Labor Day might mark the end of summer for some, but in Ethiopia, September means the springtime celebration of a new year. Called Enkutatash, the holiday enticed a crowd of African ex-pats and other curious locals to an outdoor festival at Berkeley’s Civic Center Park this Sunday.
Organized by Oakland’s own Ethiopian Community and Cultural Center (ECCC), the event showcased crafts and clothing, a variety of ethnic foods, and Africa-conscious charitable organizations from around northern California.
Down Center Street, vendors sold an array of Jamaican, Ghanaian and Ethiopian foods. Along with sunny weather and live Reggae music, the wafting blend of cumin and chili peppers helped create a festive mood. People in T-shirts and jeans mingled with traditionally dressed Ethiopian and Sudanese men and women to get a look at the African-themed wares on display.
“This is a non-political, non-religious event – a festival celebrating the new year,” said Ermias Getachew, president of the ECCC. Sunday marked the party’s seventh anniversary.
According More >
Enkutatash Celebration at Berkeley
Aug 31st
Enkutatash means the “gift of jewels”, and is an important festival in the lives of Ethiopians.
Posted: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
On Sunday, September 5th, the public is invited to take a walk on the cultural side at Enkutatash, the 7th Annual Ethiopian New Year Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, 2151 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in downtown Berkeley, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
The goal of this Festival is to commemorate Ethiopian traditions, art, and culture. This celebration will include: delicious traditional dishes, national costumes, poetry, music, children’s programs, Reggae Band Selamta, West African Highlife Band, Ethiopian Musicians Haileye Tadesse, Neway Afardew, and much more. This family friendly event is free of charge and open to all.
Enkutatash means the “gift of jewels”, and is an important festival in the lives of Ethiopians. Its celebration dates back to the days of the Queen of Sheba. After three months of heavy rain, spring comes creating a beautiful clear fresh atmosphere in Ethiopia. The highlands turn to gold as the daisies burst into flower, gifts from nature to Ethiopia. Enkutatash is traditionally celebrated in a big way in Ethiopia; just as Americans celebrate the New Year.
ECCC, the sponsor of More >