PHOTOS: Ethiopian Embassy in Kampala Ushers in New Year 2018 with Music, Prayer, and Cultural Exchange

By Alex Masereka Joel

The Ethiopian Embassy in Uganda ushered in the New Year 2018 (Enkutatash) with pomp, grandeur, and cultural allure as Ambassador H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu and her staff hosted a series of celebratory visits marked by song, prayer, and people-to-people exchange.

Visits kicked off with the Sunday School Choir of St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Kampala making an appearance at the Embassy, offering melodious wishes for peace and prosperity for both Ethiopia and Uganda.

NEW YEAR JOY: Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih joins the Sunday School Choir of St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Kampala. in songs of praise and celebration during the New Year 2018 celebrations

In another heart-warming moment, a group of Ugandan and Ethiopian girls from Mesob Radio presented the traditional New Year song “Abeba Ayesh Hoy-Lemlem,” symbolizing unity, hope, and the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations.

On New Year’s Day morning a traditional song known as “Abebayehosh” is heard around the city – usually performed by young girls for passers-by, according to festivities that happen on the day.

Ambassador Etsegenet described the occasion as both spiritual and joyful, reflecting on its significance:

“It was a truly blessed way to welcome our New Year 2018. We praised Almighty God for the blessings we received in the past year. We prayed for peace, prosperity, and health for the people and government of Ethiopia, Uganda, Africa, and the entire world,” she said.

The ambassador added, “We are grateful to the Lord for giving us the resilience and capability to complete the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). As a resident ambassador, nothing makes me feel more thankful than spending this New Year in such a meaningful way. It has been a complete blessing and a joyful moment.”

Ethiopia, which follows its own unique calendar, has now entered the year 2018—seven years behind the Gregorian calendar widely used elsewhere. The difference stems from divergent calculations of the birth year of Jesus Christ, with Ethiopia maintaining its traditional system while the Catholic Church revised its count in 500 AD.

FESTIVE ARRIVAL: The Sunday School Choir of St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Kampala gave the celebrations a vibrant atmosphere in songs of praise during the New Year 2018 celebrations

Ethiopia’s calendar also features 13 months—12 with 30 days each, and a short 13th month (Pagume) of five or six days depending on the leap year.

Enkutatash marks not only the beginning of a new year but also the close of the rainy season, symbolizing renewal, spring, and optimism for the months ahead.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih speaks to guests as the embassy marked Enkutatash

This year’s celebrations carry extra significance, coming on the heels of the official launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a historic milestone that has stirred national pride and unity.

READ ALSO: Amb. Etsegenet: Dam Completion Mirrors Ethiopia’s Historic Victory Over Colonialism

From Kampala to Addis Ababa, the spirit of Enkutatash has been one of thanksgiving, resilience, and renewed hope for peace, prosperity, and stronger ties across Africa, symbolising the horn of Africa nation’s strong will chart her future with her terms.