As Ethiopia gears up to celebrate Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, a fascinating cultural juxtaposition has caught the public’s attention. This year, the joyous holiday is being linked with the humble yet significant tradition of ‘listro’ or shoe shining, creating a unique narrative that bridges celebration and everyday life.
Enkutatash, which falls on September 11th (or September 12th in leap years), marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring in Ethiopia. It’s a time of renewal, marked by the exchange of bouquets of flowers, singing, and festive meals. This year, however, the spotlight is also shining on the listros – the hardworking shoe shiners who are a common sight on Ethiopia’s urban streets.
The connection between Enkutatash and listro is drawing attention to the resilience and aspirations of these young entrepreneurs. Many listros see the New Year as a time of hope and potential new beginnings, mirroring the broader societal optimism that Enkutatash brings.
Local initiatives are emerging to support listros during this festive season. Some communities are organizing events where people can get their shoes shined for free, with the listros receiving compensation from sponsors. Others are encouraging the public to tip generously or offer small gifts to listros as part of their New Year celebrations.
This unexpected pairing of Enkutatash with listro culture is sparking conversations about social inclusion, youth employment, and the dignity of labor. It’s a reminder that while Ethiopians celebrate the New Year with traditional customs, there’s also room to acknowledge and uplift those working in informal sectors.
As Enkutatash approaches, this unique blend of tradition and contemporary social awareness is adding a new dimension to the celebrations, encouraging Ethiopians to enter the New Year with both festivity and mindfulness of their fellow citizens.
