New Year and X-mass: Celebrating Twice for the Same Cause

By Seble Teweldebirhan

Addis Ababa- January 4, 2012- Now days we are fortunate enough to have dual holidays for the same cause. We celebrate two new years and two X-mass in one year period. Last weekend, Ethiopians, with a high spirit celebrated the western New Year. The spirit, on the eve was closely similar to the Ethiopian New Year which was celebrated four months a go. Considering a week after the New Year, Saturday, is a celebration of the Ethiopian X-mass (Gena), many in Addis spent the eve, making the day an early celebration of the approaching holiday.

The hottest eve party for the New Year was expected to be at Velvet in Addis, a relatively new restaurant and club around Bole. For the eve, many showed up at its gate early with a high spirit of partying and welcoming 2012 with refreshed spirit. That is probably one of the reasons for many not to mind the comparatively high entrance, which was 1000 birr for VIP spot.

Unfortunately the party at Velvet hardly met the high spirit of its audience. Many left early and ended up at the usual clubs like Platinum and Illusion. Some opted to traditional Azmari Bet’s for the modern European New Year. Still, the spirits were high and many of the places in Addis were crowded forcing some to form their own party on the streets and out side the clubs.

Ethiopia, though have its own calendar, mostly uses the Gregorian almanac for operational purposes. This in some cases creates a feeling on some people to value the western new years more. Especially for the residents of Addis the Gregorian calendar is becoming more practical.

The double celebration of the holidays, especially for those who are looking for reasons to party all night long seems a perfect convenience. This also benefited the night clubs and restaurants that get to be crowded for a similar cause twice. The only difference between the double celebrations is most likely the next day, when many continue the traditional celebration in their homes for the native holidays while the European holiday become just another day with hangover.

The spirit of celebration is expected to continue for the coming Ethiopian X-.mass eve on Friday night which will be the last of the double holiday celebrations for this year.

Source: GojoCinema.com