ESA hosts premiere cultural event ‘Ethiopian Night’
Experience this unique Ethiopian culture Saturday, March 26
Located in East Africa, Ethiopia is the only African country that has never been colonized according to everyculture.com. Therefore, Ethiopia has its own official language, which is Amharic and has a unique culture and heritage.
This Saturday, March 26, ESA will host their premiere Ethiopian Night, 2016 “Uncovering our Roots, ” and share their rich culture with MSU community.
Ethiopian Student Association (ESA) is a student run organisation that officially started in 2015. The organization has seven board member and 25 members. Its mission is to connect fellow Ethiopian students, provide guidance for its members, and educate community about Ethiopia through a variety of cultural events on campus.
As Saron Tesfae, vice president of the Ethiopian Student Association, explained, “Ethiopia has many cultural traditions such as eating food from one plate, and respecting seniors.”
The event will be split up into two parts: a dinner and the show. First half of the event will start in CSU Lower Level from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
According to Tesfae, guests will be able to enjoy authentic Ethiopian food such as Doro Wot (chicken stew), which is usually cooked for guests as a sign of respect, Gomen (vegetable stew), and Enjera (flatbread with unique spongy texture).
Second half of the event, the show itself, will take place in CSU Ballroom from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The theme of the show, “Uncovering Our Roots,” was chosen to represent the genuine and diverse Ethiopia. Guests will get the sense of Ethiopian culture, and “will be able to become an Ethiopian for a night,” said Tesfae.
One of the most spectacular parts of the show will include nine different types of dances, representing nine ethnically diverse Ethiopian regions. Because Ethiopia is so diverse, each dance has its own unique step and rhythm.
“The Guragigna dance is about togetherness and unity,” explained Tesfaye. “It shows an Ethiopian family coming together to celebrate love.”
Another folk dance, Ashenda, is named after a traditional festival of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. Young women wear traditional white cotton dresses called “tilfi” decorated with colorful embroidery. They gather in the center of the village, then divide into small groups, and stop at every house singing and dancing for the people. People give them money, food, or drink in return.
The show is promised to be eye opening, inspirational, and humorous. Ticket prices for Ethiopian Night are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. You can find presale tickets in CSU Mav Ave; see volunteers at the table.