The Ethiopian year will close in a blaze of colour and fun in Footscray Mall this Saturday.
The Puagme Festival will celebrate Ethiopian New Year with one of Australia’s biggest African community events.
The free day of fun for all will include an Ethiopian costume
show, fashion show, traditional music and dance, a choir and a
traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Eskias Mengistie, a festival organiser, says the Ethiopian
community has been celebrating Ethiopian New Year in Australia for more
than 25 years.
For the past five years, the community has organised a festival in Footscray during the day as well as a night-time event.
“The planned festival will show Ethiopian history and its rich
cultural and historic events with a modern touch,” Mr Mengistie said.
“The program has grown every year to date, and this year, the
community leaders have chosen young Ethiopian Australian professionals
to organise this event and give them the chance to show their talent and
experience.”
The festival will be held over two consecutive Saturdays for the first time, with a celebration in Ardeer planned for September 14. Maribyrnong mayor Catherine Cumming said the popular festival was a wonderful addition to the Festival City calendar.
“The Puagme Festival is a chance to celebrate the Ethiopian community’s contribution to our city’s rich diversity.”
The festival will be in Nicholson Street Mall 11am-4pm this Saturday.
