Saturday 12 September 2026
ECAO Hosts Ethiopian New Year Celebration
by Asantewa Nkuah, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In Ethiopia, September marks the start of a new year and the blooming of bright flowers. To celebrate, the Ethiopian Community Association of Ottawa (ECAO) hosted a large scale event in Andrew Haydon Park on September 12 complete with musical and theatre performances, traditional dances, a fashion show, children’s games, and delicious Ethiopian cuisine.
ECAO is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the diverse community of Ethiopians in Ottawa. Their vision is to create a strong and supportive network of Ethiopians and ultimately establish the first Ethiopian community centre in Ottawa.
Ethiopia follows a unique 13-month calendar called the Ge’ez calendar. It trails the Western calendar by seven years and eight months. The story of this new year celebration goes back to when Queen Sheba of Ethiopia came back to the country during the summer season and witnessed yellow flowers beginning to bloom in the foothills around the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Abeba. These flowers signified the end of a long drought and a new beginning. To honour the queen, Ethiopia’s new year festival is called Enkutatash, Amharic for the “gift of the jewels.”
The Enkutatash celebration in Andrew Haydon Park was an opportunity for the Ethiopian community to come together to celebrate their heritage. It was also an opportunity for Ottawans to experience and learn more about Ethiopia’s vibrant culture and traditions.
It was a gorgeous day. Dozens gathered underneath a shining sky to socialize, laugh, run, and play. Meseret Addis, Tsehaye Wolde Bekele, and Zerihun Eshetu Kibirysfaw gave exciting musical performances. The children’s theatre performed a play about the power of using your voice.
Another highlight was the fashion show. People of all ages walked down the stage to showcase their beautiful cultural costumes. As the running competition began, mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe encouraged Ottawa’s Ethiopian community to stay healthy and continue sharing their culture. They help make the city what it is: warm and welcoming.
There were also cultural workshops. Children were taught how to make injera, a pancake-like flatbread made with teff (lovegrass) flour. It is a staple food in Ethiopia. There was also a bracelet making workshop. Ethiopian clothing is known for its intricate embroidered beadwork.
In addition to fresh brewed coffee and grilled burgers, there was also a full array of cultural dishes: seasoned beef and lentil stews, stir fry beef with bell peppers and seasonings, turmeric chickpeas, barley bread, quinoa, and of course, injera. Even parkgoers involved in other activities came over to sample the food.
In conclusion, it was a tremendously successful day. Congratulations to the Ethiopian Community Association of Ottawa for a joyful and memorable Enkutatash celebration!
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