Koiner Farm will host an Ethiopian celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. this Thursday.
The celebration will feature a DJ, coffee ceremony, live music performance by Munit and Z Lovebugs, food, crafts, and fresh produce for sale.
The Ethiopian New Year—known as Enkutatash—occurs around September 11th or 12th, depending on the year. Unlike the widely used Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian calendar has 13 months and is seven to eight years behind. The celebration signals the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings.
Enkutatash, meaning “gift of jewels,” has biblical roots in the story of the Queen of Sheba’s return from a visit to King Solomon, where her chiefs welcomed her with an abundance of jewels.
Today, the New Year involves singing, dancing, and exchanging fresh flowers. Communities gather for church services, festive meals, and bonfires known as “demera,” symbolizing transformation and unity.
Koiner Farm is located at 737 Easley St. in East Silver Spring. Parking is available at the Bonifant Easley Parking Lot (County Lot 29).
Photo: “Ethiopian New Year Landscape. Photo Taken on September 11 2010 Ethiopian Calendar. Ethiopian indigenous flower ‘Adey Abeba’ Sheeps seen grazing” by Tewodros Kassa is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.