On 12th September, Ethiopia celebrated it's new year and new Millennium. We were staying in the country and were in Addis Ababa on that day. The evening before we met friends in a restuarant and were then taken by locals to a bar where there was traditional dancing and music. Just before midnight we walked up towards the palace buildings, overlooking the Sheraton Hotel and, as the traffic ground to a halt, everyone (including the scores of police and military brought in for security) watched the firework display and celebrated the coming of the 21st century to their country.
The next day, New Year's Day, started at 0600 with cannon blasts and throughout the day people enjoyed traditional food and drink. The goats, sheep, cattle and hens which had been bought and sold for the holiday were slaughtered and cooked in spicy sauces, served with injera and 'habesha bread'. We had been invited by one local family to share a meal and this was finished with the coffee ceremony and popcorn.
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