by Ruth Aman Editorial Associate
Saturday, 16 September 2023
Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is celebrated September 11th every year. As one of the only African nations which governs itself by the Coptic calendar, Ethiopia officially entered the year 2016 last Monday. Vincent Massey park, which has been home to the Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa’s faithful New Year’s BBQ Celebration, continued to host members of the diaspora through various festivities that embraced people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds on Saturday, September 16th 2023.
At a time where celebrations abroad have significantly decreased due to immense conflict and division occuring within the nation, Ottawa’s Ethiopians continued to gather together signifying their solidarity to their nation and to their community. Those in the crowd, however, were not disconnected from the cries and pain of their people, but instead came out to the event hoping that this New Year would bring peace and prosperity to the land. With respected seniors in the crowd and young children, this event saw over one hundred individuals enjoying the cool September weather and BBQ foods prepared for them.
Ethiopia is a nation in East Africa hosting over a multitude of different ethnic groups, languages, and belief systems. For over hundreds of years the nation has been the pride of Africa through the findings of the oldest human fossil Lucy (Dinkinesh), recognizing the nation as the origin of all humanity. Ottawa roughly houses over three-thousand first generation and second generation Ethiopians and the number continues to grow as many emigrate to the nation day by day. The nation’s last few years, unfortunately, have been defined by grave war, pain, and injustice. Simultaneously, the nation has also experienced great economic progress and national development. Therefore, for many Ethiopians worldwide, this New Year was a sobering reminder of not only the good that has transpired, but also all the bad.
The Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa was determined this year to keep their national pride alive, and encourage a spirit of patriotism within those in the community. They did this by incorporating a brief show during the BBQ, which celebrated those within the community and those who have built the organization up. For over a decade, the ECAO has been a leading force for Ethiopian and Eritrean people in Ottawa and has supported recent migrants to the nation. Now with a restructuring in the board and new youth members joining the team, the organization plans to become a sustainable group holding great prominence and influence in the community.
The event began with a welcome from one of ECAO’s Board Members, Neguissie Debele, who encouraged individuals to take part in all that was available. From elders selling traditional Ethiopian clothing and dresses, to young adults providing a traditional coffee ceremony, the event brought great memories to those who have been out of Ethiopia for many years. As the birthplace of coffee, the traditional coffee ceremony is a community staple. Almost all in attendance had purchased their small cups of coffee and were seated throughout the park waiting for the beginning of the program.
This proceeded with an opening prayer done by religious leaders of the three most practiced faiths in Ethiopia: Ethiopian Orthodoxy, Pentecostal Christianity, and Islam. The unity between these leaders represented the strong ties of peace that bind the people of Ethiopia together.
The board members then took the time to appreciate those who established the organization. Certificates were given to individuals who supported the organization since its origin. Many of these individuals used their basements as their offices and balanced developing the organization amidst other responsibilities. These individuals were celebrated and applauded by those watching on.
Following this was a performance from a group of young women named Abby, Yabi, Selam, & Lillian who are all university students that faithfully express their passion for their nation through music. One song they sang was titled, ‘Ene Negn’ meaning ‘It is I’. The song was written years ago by a collection of Ethiopian artists, who decided to come together to proclaim that they are their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. The young ensemble gave a few words as to the importance and significance of their presence at this event. Selam, the pianist of the group emphasized the necessity of performing at this event by stating that, “the community is so supportive of the youth and our group. We take part in celebrations like these to show our gratitude and also inspire the younger generation”.
As the BBQ continued, the remainder of the event consisted of socializing, taking pictures, and enjoying the freshly prepared Sambusas. Children played on the Bouncy Castle and were kept entertained as the songs and music of the people carried on in the background.
Overall, this year’s celebration was one that showed the resilience of the Ethiopian diaspora community. Standing beside each other at this point of history was a powerful symbol of unity and faith that one day the nation will be at peace again.
Stay updated with the ECAO via their website: https://www.ecao.ca/history
