Ethiopians celebrate its New Year Enkutatash: Party, Like 2018

Ethiopia notes the beginning of its new year – 2018. The country has its own unique calendar, it means that for seven years the Western calendar.

These yellow “ADY Ababa” blooms with celebration. At this time of year they grow around the capital, Adis -Ababa. Small bundles sell about 50 Ethiopian bir (0.35 dollars; 0.25 pounds).

The seven-year gap comes down to the fact that Jesus Christ’s birth is calculated differently in Ethiopia. When the Catholic Church made amendments to its calculation in 500 AD, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church did not.

But celebrations – known as Enkutatash – are not tied to the church, and it is time for everyone in the country. Here sellers in Addis -bab come from the countryside to sell ABABA as well as freshly muted grass – they are both used during traditional coffee rites.

The birthplace of coffee is widely believed that it was in the highlands of Ethiopia. Herb and flowers are used as a decoration for ceremonies, during which beans are fried over open fire, earth, and then cooked in a clay pot.

The trading area, including the Addisu Gebeya market, arose in Addis -ebab on New Year’s ETS, etc. Despite the rain – when people rushed to prepare for the celebrations.

This is the 19-year-old Tamirate Dezhen, who came to Addis Ababa from the small city of Chanch, about 40 km (25 miles) north of the city to sell his chickens.

He said the BBC that is engaged in jerking – chickens sold from 2000 bir (14 dollars; 10 pounds) and 3000 Birr.

Chickens prefer those who prepare a New Year’s holiday for the budget. They make a sharp stew called “Doro Wat”, which is served with Ina – a traditional fermented pancake flat bread.

For those who have more money, lamb is on the menu – usually fried.

These sheep, decorated with holiday ribbons, were sold for 15,000 Birr (105 dollars; £ 77) and 22000 Birr.

Families tend to collect and invite friends to join them for food either at lunch or in the evening – either.

Some even kill oxen that can cost up to $ 300,000 ($ 2,000; 1550 pounds).

On the eve of the New Year, everyone rushes to finish purchases, and then in the evening they go to watch concerts and live groups. Some big concerts are advertised here.

I found myself in the living room in Addis Ababa, where in 2018 a live band in 2018 with music and birch trees at midnight.

In the New Year morning, a traditional song known as “AbeBayehosh” is heard around the city – usually performed by young girls for passers -by. In some neighborhoods, they go from the door to the door.

The song is deeply rooted in the Ethiopian culture and captures the New Year’s spirit.

Orthodox Christians continue in this spirit later on this day with church services. Here the suppliers created a stall for sale of ceremonial umbrellas near the church in the city.

The priest joins the Congregation at the Ethth Church of St. Resto Addis Ababa to offer prayers for the next year.

People in Ethiopia have no difficulties that switch between two calendars – when they speak local languages, year 2018, but in English they automatically jump forward to 2025.

Another unusual aspect of the Ethiopian calendar is that he has 13 months. The first 12 have 30 days, and this year there were only five days in the 13th month (in the leap year – six).

The time of the year also means the end of the rainy season, the beginning of spring and festive events that celebrate the update and optimism season.

This year there was a greater sense of unity and pride when a week began with the official launch of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Platinum (Hard), which was built on the Nile River.