Ethiopian Embassy, community mark Enqutash and Hiber celebrations in Kuwait
. . . highlights culture, tradition and unity
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Kuwait celebrated Hiber and the eve of the Ethiopian New Year 2019, Enqutash, in an event attended by several ambassadors, Ethiopian religious figures, members of the Ethiopian community and their families.
The celebration highlighted Ethiopian culture and traditions through folk songs, traditional dances and displays of family customs associated with welcoming the New Year. Ethiopian coffee also featured prominently, reflecting its important place in the country’s social culture.
The event also highlighted similarities between some Ethiopian and Gulf social traditions, particularly the family and community atmosphere surrounding heritage celebrations, with aspects resembling the Gulf tradition of Qarqee’an.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Said Jibril welcomed the guests and expressed his appreciation to the ambassadors, dignitaries and members of the Ethiopian community for taking part in the celebration.
Jibril said celebrating the Ethiopian New Year was an occasion of “renewal, hope, and new beginnings,” allowing people to reflect on the past with gratitude, learn from its experiences and enter the new year with confidence and optimism.
He said the New Year carries a deeper significance for Ethiopia, describing the country as an integral part of the African story and noting that its history, culture and struggle for sovereignty have been closely linked to the wider aspirations of the African continent.
Jibril expressed hope that the new year would bring peace to Ethiopia and Africa, prosperity to its people, and health and happiness to families. He concluded by thanking the attendees for joining the celebration and extended the Ethiopian New Year greeting, “Melkam Addis Amet,” wishing everyone a happy New Year.
Enqutash, the Ethiopian New Year, begins on the first day of Meskerem, which usually falls on September 11. It marks the start of the new Ethiopian year.
Hiber is a national event observed by Ethiopians at home and abroad in the days leading up to the New Year. It is associated with communication, dialogue, unity and national identity.
