“Enqoutatash”... An Ethiopian New Year with a heritage flavor in Kuwait
Amid an atmosphere infused with the aroma of Ethiopian coffee, the melodies of folk songs, and traditional rhythms, the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Kuwait celebrated the “Hibir” festival and the eve of the Ethiopian New Year 2019, “Enkutatash.” The event was attended by several ambassadors, Ethiopian clergy, and dozens of members of the Ethiopian community and their families. The occasion highlighted the richness of Ethiopian culture and the community’s commitment to preserving its traditions and customs and passing them on to new generations.
The celebration evoked aspects of Ethiopian social life in welcoming the new year, featuring folk songs and dances, as well as the ways Ethiopian families observe the occasion. It also included a dedicated booth for Ethiopian coffee, which constitutes an integral part of the social culture in Ethiopia.
Some aspects of the celebration bore striking similarities to the Gulf tradition of “Qarqaa’an,” particularly in the familial and folk atmosphere accompanying the heritage event, reflecting a beautiful convergence between certain social customs in Ethiopia and the Gulf region.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Saad Gibril, welcomed the attendees, expressing his delight at celebrating the Ethiopian New Year in Kuwait and thanking the ambassadors, guests, and members of the Ethiopian community for participating in this special occasion.
He said, “It is a great honor and joy to welcome you all this evening as we celebrate the Ethiopian New Year 2019,” expressing his sincere appreciation to Their Excellencies, distinguished guests, and members of the Ethiopian community who took part in the event.
Dr. Gibril emphasized that the Ethiopian New Year represents a celebration of renewal, hope, and new beginnings. He explained that it is an occasion when people look back at the past with gratitude, learn from its experiences, and enter the new year with confidence and optimism.
He noted that the occasion holds deeper meaning for Ethiopia, pointing out that his country is an integral part of the African story, and that its history, culture, and struggle for sovereignty have always been linked to the broader aspirations of the African continent. Dr. Gibril expressed his hope that the new year would bring peace to Ethiopia and the African continent, prosperity to peoples, and health and happiness to families.
He concluded his speech with the Ethiopian greeting “Melkam Adis Amet,” wishing everyone a happy new year.
The Ethiopian New Year, “Enkutatash,” falls on the first day of the month of Meskerem, typically corresponding to September 11, and marks the beginning of the new Ethiopian year.
“Hibir,” on the other hand, is a national event associated with Ethiopians both at home and abroad, held in the days preceding the New Year. It is linked to communication, dialogue, unity, and national identity.
