The Vickery Park Branch Library is hosting an Ethiopian New Year celebration this Saturday from 1-3 p.m.
Vickery Park Branch Library.
The celebration will feature a dance performance, Ethiopian food and activities for children. A musical performance by the Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble will provide live music.
Admission is free to the public.
Known as Enkutash, the holiday marks the beginning of a New Year in the Ethiopian Calendar, a thirteen-month calendar similar to many Orthodox countries which do not follow the Gregorian Calendar. The holiday’s celebration falls on Sept. 11 in the Gregorian Calendar.
The name Enkutash has biblical origins. According to legend, the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba was gifted an assortment of jewels by the Israelite King Solomon. Upon her return, a long drought ended and flowers began to bloom, signifying the beginning of a new year. Enkutatash means “gift of jewels,” in tribute to the Queen.
