As Ethiopian The new year begins on September 11th. Ethiopian Airlines is proud to offer a direct flight from Atlanta To Addis Ababawhich has been in operation since May 2023 to southeast to experience the festivities first-hand, says the airline’s traffic and sales manager in the southeastern United States, Solomon Mekonnen Fanta.
Although it is a sad date in U.S. history, the Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, is a time of hope, renewal and joyful celebration, deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions, Mr. Fanta emphasizes.
For Ethiopians in Atlanta and others who want to take part in this unique cultural experience, the direct flight offers a convenient way to participate in the festivities in Ethiopia.
Celebrating cultural heritage
Ethiopia follows its own calendar known as “Ge’ez,” which is a solar calendar based on the ancient Coptic calendar and is different from the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world.
“In Ethiopia, the year is now 2016. On September 11, or September 12 in a leap year, the new year begins. This will be the beginning of 2017 in the Ethiopian calendar. Ethiopia is unique because it is the only African “A country that has never been colonized and retains its own alphabet and calendar,” explains Mr. Fanta.
This special heritage is a source of pride for Ethiopians and makes Enkutatash an even more special occasion, he says.
Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels” in Amharic, is said to have originated in biblical times when the Queen of ShebaQueen of Ethiopia, returned from a trip King Solomon In JerusalemTheir return marked a new beginning in Ethiopian history and inspired New Year celebrations.
Travel to Ethiopia for the New Year celebrations
Ethiopian Airlines is well prepared to welcome travelers in the New Year, confirms Ethiopian-Atlantan Belew Seyoum.
Travelers can look forward to a festive atmosphere even before boarding. The airline plans to welcome passengers with a traditional coffee ceremony and festive Christmas decorations at the ticket counter and departure gate.
There may be special treats on board the aircraft, such as traditional bread and champagne, to give passengers a festive mood as they fly into the New Year, Seyoum says.
“Ethiopians celebrate the New Year with music, delicious food and drinks such as tej, a honey wine, and talla, a local beer. Celebrations include gathering with family and friends, enjoying delicious Ethiopian dishes such as doro wat (chicken stew), and exchanging best wishes for the coming year,” adds Mr Seyoum.
Other popular travel times for Africa with Ethiopian Airlines are the summer months and December for Ghanaiansaccordingly Matthew AbakahFinancial Controller of Ghanaian Council of Georgia.
The 8,000 Ghanaians who live in the Atlanta area are “excited” about Ethiopian Airlines’ flight to Addis Ababa because it provides a direct connection to Africa, Abakah says.
The Ghanaian diaspora and the African-American community in Atlanta will use the flight to “come home” to Ghana in December for the “Year of Return,” he adds.
Celebrations of the Ethiopian community in Atlanta
For those who can’t travel this year, the 21,000-member Ethiopian community in Atlanta is also hosting spirited New Year celebrations, Mr. Seyoum notes. The community is organizing an event with vendors, cultural performances and religious blessings from various denominations.
This year’s celebration will take place on 14 and 15 September in the Ethiopian Community Association in Atlanta at its headquarters at 5616 Memorial Drive in Steinberg.
According to Seyoum, local officials such as mayors from the Atlanta metropolitan area, city councilors and even members of the U.S. Congress are invited to participate.
“The main purpose is to bring the community together, support each other and celebrate our culture. It is also an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about Ethiopian traditions and for the broader Atlanta community to learn about Ethiopian culture.”
Promote travel and cultural exchange
Ethiopian Airlines’ direct flight from Atlanta to Addis Ababa not only makes travel easier for Ethiopians in the southeastern United States, but also promotes cultural exchange, Mr. Fanta notes.
“Ethiopians have a strong social fabric and many travel home at least once a year to be with family and friends. This strong sense of community makes this flight particularly popular around New Year.”
Whether you fly to Addis Ababa or join in the local festivities in Atlanta, the Ethiopian New Year offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s vibrant traditions – and feel seven years younger.
For further information and to book tickets, please visit the Ethiopian Airlines website.
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