Enjoy a feast for all of the senses when Ethiopian New Year festivities light up Footscray this Saturday.
Local celebrations of the new year, known as Enkutatash and based on the Julian calendar, are entering their 12th year.
Nicholson Street Mall will host a day of cultural demonstrations including a fashion parade, singing, dance, circus acts, traditional food and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.
The festival has been organised by Adamu Tefera, the president of the Ethiopian Community Association in Victoria.
Mr Tefera said the festival has grown from humble beginnings.
“At the time we first decided to hold a New Year festival there were many Ethiopian-Australians who resided in the City of Maribyrnong and many Ethiopian businesses thriving, so we thought it was a good time to introduce Ethiopian culture to the wider community,” he said.
“It is an opportunity for Ethiopians to express and embrace their culture and identity and to express their gratitude to the Australian community for embracing multiculturalism.”
Maribyrnong mayor Catherine Cumming said it was wonderful to be celebrating the spiritual and cultural life of Ethiopian people in Footscray.
“This is a community rich in history and culture and one which continues to grow and prosper in our City, much to my delight,” she said.
The festival will be held in the Nicholson Street Mall 11am-5pm this Saturday.
