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As the Ethiopian New Year approaches on Sept. 11, Ethiopian Airlines is proud to offer a direct flight from Atlanta to Addis Ababa, which has been operating since May 2023, to enable Southeasterners to experience the festivities firsthand, says the airline’s Southeast U.S. Traffic and Sales Manager, Solomon Mekonnen Fanta.
Though a sad date in U.S. history, the Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, is a time of hope, renewal and joyous celebration, steeped in rich cultural traditions, Mr. Fanta asserts.
For Ethiopians in Atlanta and others interested in immersing themselves in this unique cultural experience, the direct flight offers a convenient gateway to join the celebrations in Ethiopia.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Ethiopia follows its own calendar known as Ge’ez, a solar calendar based on the ancient Coptic calendar that is distinct from the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world.
“In Ethiopia, it is 2016 now. Sept. 11, or Sept. 12 in a leap year, marks the New Year. This will be the beginning of 2017 in the Ethiopian calendar.Ethiopia is unique as it is the only African country that has never been colonized, retaining its own alphabet and calendar,” Mr. Fanta explains.
This distinctive heritage is a point of pride for Ethiopians, making Enkutatash an even more special occasion, he says.
Enkutatash, which translates to “gift of jewels” in Amharic,is said to have originated during biblical times when the Queen of Sheba, queen of Ethiopia, returned from a journey to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem. Her return marked a new beginning in Ethiopian history and inspired the celebration of the new year.
Travel to Ethiopia for New Year Celebrations
Ethiopian Airlines is well-prepared to welcome travelers for the New Year, attests Ethiopian-Atlantan Belew Seyoum.
Travelers can look forward to a festive atmosphere even before they board. The airline plans to greet passengers with a traditional coffee ceremony and festive holiday decorations at the ticket counter and departure gate.
On the flight, there might be special treats such as traditional bread and champagne, creating a celebratory vibe as passengers fly into the New Year, Mr. Seyoum says.
“Ethiopians celebrate New Year with music, delicious meals and drinks like tej, a honey wine, and talla, a local beer. The celebration involves gathering with family and friends, enjoying mouth-watering Ethiopian dishes like doro wat (chicken stew) and exchanging best wishes for the year ahead,” Mr. Seyoum adds.
Other popular times to travel Africa on the Ethiopian Airlines flight include the summer months as well as December for Ghanaians, according to Matthew Abakah, financial controller of the Ghana Council of Georgia.
The 8,000 Ghanaians living in the Atlanta metro area are “ecstatic” about the Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa because it offers a direct connection to Africa, Mr. Abakah says.
The Ghanaian diaspora and the African American community in Atlanta will use the flight to “come home” to Ghana for the “year of return” in December, he adds.
Ethiopian Community Celebrations in Atlanta
For those who may not travel this year, the 21,000-strong Ethiopian community in Atlanta also hosts vibrant New Year celebrations, Mr. Seyoum notes. The community organizes an event with vendors, cultural performances and religious blessings from various denominations.
This year’s celebration will be hosted Sept. 14-15 by the Ethiopian Community Association in Atlantaat its headquarters at 5616 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain.
Local officials like metro Atlanta mayors, city councils and even U.S. congressional representatives are invited to participate, Mr. Seyoum says.
“The main purpose is to bring the community together, support each other and celebrate our culture. It’s also an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about Ethiopian traditions and for the wider Atlanta community to experience Ethiopian culture.”
Encouraging Travel and Cultural Exchange
Ethiopian Airlines’ direct flight from Atlanta to Addis Ababa not only facilitates travel for Ethiopians in the Southeast U.S. but also encourages cultural exchange, Mr. Fanta notes.
“There is a strong social fabric among Ethiopians, and many travel back home at least once a year to be with family and friends. This flight is particularly popular around the New Year due to this strong sense of community.”
Whether flying to Addis Ababa or participating in local celebrations in Atlanta, the Ethiopian New Year offers an opportunity to be immersed in the vibrant traditions of Ethiopia – and feel seven years younger.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Ethiopian Airlines website.
Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest-growing airline brand globally and the African continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivaled in efficiency and operational success.
As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.
The airline started a four-times-weekly nonstop flight from Atlanta in May 2023.
For more, visitwww.ethiopianairlines.com
