CAMBRIDGE — The Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association (ECMAA) of the Boston area is celebrating “Enkutatash,” the Ethiopian New Year, Saturday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 11 p.m. at the St. Paul AME Christian Life Center at 85 Bishop Allen Drive.
The 2001 New Year celebration will include a talent show that will allow children and teenagers to share their cultural talents with dance and music performances and highlighted by a fashion show presenting the newest styles in Ethiopian attire. There will also be music, dancing, and an Ethiopian coffee ceremony served by volunteers. Ethiopian food specially prepared by Ethiopian chefs will be for sale.
Based on the Orthodox Julian Calendar, different from the Western or Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian year of 2001 begins Sept. 11, 2008. The Ethiopian calendar consists of 12 months of 30 days and the 13th month, called pagume, has only five or six days depending on leap year. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western calendar. Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels,” occurs in September with the clearing of the skies following three months of heavy rains. The highland fields, covered with Meskal daisies, become golden. Meskerem (September) is a month of celebration in which Ethiopians transition from the old to the new expressing their hopes and dreams of the future.
Established in 1986, ECMMA was founded by a group of Ethiopian refugees as a means of organizing and assisting their people. Its mission is to provide culturally appropriate social services, educational opportunities, and cultural programs to the growing population of approximately 12,000 Ethiopians now living in the Greater Boston area. ECMMA works to develop and maintain a support network for the Ethiopians and other African refuges, helping newcomers to the United States to become self-sufficient, contributing members of their community while preserving their cultural heritage.
Tickets are $20. ECMAA is at 552 Mass. Ave., Suite 202, in Central Square. For tickets or more information, call Binyam Tamene at 617-492-4232.
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