Residents Celebrate Ethiopia Heritage and Culture in Silver Spring (PHOTOS)

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory on July 19 for our area but the hot and humid weather did not stop Ethiopians from celebrating Ethiopia’s tradition, culture and heritage in downtown Silver Spring.

Sunday’s celebration was hosted by the Ethiopian Community Center in Maryland, and featured Ethiopian traditional food, jewelry, dancers, local and out of the state vendors- all showcasing their home country’s customs.

“We came from California. We live in San Jose,” said Fasil Hileselassie, a vendor during the event.

Hileselassie said members of the community try to assist each other, and organizers helped him participate in the Sunday’s event.

“We are happy to sell our stuff here,” he said. Hileselassie was selling Ethiopian’s soccer jersey and customized jewelry.

During the celebration, county officials noted that the Ethiopian community is the largest African immigrant community in the area.

“This is also the largest the largest Ethiopian community in the whole country, we now know. … So many hard working families that get up and contribute to our economy and create jobs every single day,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker.

County officials also talked about the “sister city” relationship between Montgomery County and Gondar in Ethiopia.

The celebration started at noon and was scheduled to end at 9 p.m.

County officials said the #Ethiopian Community is the largest African immigrant community in the area. pic.twitter.com/vzZ1CIMyUL

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) July 19, 2015

It's 100F outside but hundreds of people are in the Veterans' Plaza celebrating Ethiopian Day Festival. pic.twitter.com/kJwM3gJIVS

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) July 19, 2015

Local vendors and people from other states such as California are here today. #EthiopiaFestSS pic.twitter.com/D71tZMN0mN

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) July 19, 2015

Councilmember Tom Hucker presents Proclamation to Dr Amde Amde of the Ethiopian Community Center #silverspring pic.twitter.com/rEEuUZkW4S

— Reemberto Rodriguez, Sr. (@reemberto) July 19, 2015

About Aline Barros

Aline Barros is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at Abarros@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @AlineBarros2.

View all posts by Aline Barros