[Archived] Ethiopian New Year Celebration

For Immediate Release: August 23, 2017

The Office of the Arts invites you to celebrate the 2nd annual Ethiopian New Year Celebration on Saturday, September 9 from noon to 5 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m.) at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St..  

This Alexandria cultural tradition will engage all of your senses: SEE– the colorful decorations and cultural attire; HEAR – the Ethiopian music and rhythms performed by “Dankira,” a troupe of Ethiopian musicians and the “Ethio-American Eskista Group” of dancers who will celebrate the Ethiopia’s tradition while adding creative movements and sounds, along with Ethiopian youth choir singing traditional folk songs; SMELL – the aroma of the Ethiopian coffee, pastries and food; TASTE – Ethiopian culture through enjoying the coffee, food purchases will be available; FEEL – the spirit of the New Year and dance the day away. 

Visit the cultural exhibitions in the lobby/gallery, and participate in the interactive activities and get your name scripted in Amharic/አማርኛ, in the auditorium.  The day will have something for every member of your family.  Plan to come in traditional Ethiopian outfits, and plan to experience a bit of Ethiopia in Alexandria.  Enjoy a bit of Ethiopia in Alexandria!!

Doors will open at 11 a.m., with a “meet and greet in the lobby/gallery.  The formal program begins at noon in the auditorium.   Purchase food, coffee and other items from local Ethiopian restaurants, coffee shops and markets. Tickets are $5 each per person.  Children must be accompanied by one adult.

To purchase tickets visit http://bit.ly/2vSKXRd.

The “Ethiopian New Year Celebration” is a collaborative project of the Office of the Arts, a division of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.   
 
For Additional information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.746.5565 or email cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, or visit the Office of the Arts web site at www.alexandriava.gov/Aarts.