Geelong’s first ever Ethiopian New Year Festival will take place this September, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse and distinctive culture.
The event will feature traditional song and dance performances, an authentic Ethiopian dinner, a Jebena Buna coffee ceremony, cultural stalls offering fabrics, spices and handicrafts and interactive children’s activities.
Held from 5.30pm to 9pm at the Norlane ARC auditorium on Thursday, September 11, the festival will be presented by local not-for-profit organisation Kassani.
Kassani co-founder Kai Wondwossen Kassie is an international student from Ethiopia who came to Geelong three years ago to study psychology.
Mr Kassie said it was a “struggle” belonging to a minority within the international student minorities.
“Kassani started as a small project between a friend of mine and me, we’re both from countries that aren’t really well represented in Geelong,” he said.
“We didn’t really feel advocated for or celebrated in any way, so we thought, what if we start an organisation where we do that and celebrate people who are not usually even seen? So we established it this year with a grant from the Department of Families and Housing.
“During my study, I thought I was the only Ethiopian student in Geelong, so I want other students from Ethiopia to know there are others like them.
“The other goal is to show the beauty of Ethiopian culture – from our unique calendar to our coffee ceremonies, music and cuisine – to the general Geelong public.”
The festival is free and open to all, including students, families and the broader community. Visit events.humanitix.com/ethiopian-new-year-geelong for more information.
