ALEXANDRIA, Va. - About 12,000 African immigrants reside in the Northern Virginia area, and Saturday those cultures blended at the 2018 Africa Fest in Alexandria. The fest kicked off with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which included the Ethiopian prince and princess. The ceremony marked the Ethiopian New Year which takes place on September 11. The West African Drum and Dance Company led the Parade of Nations, showcasing 55 countries' flags. It's a living thing," said Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie of Ethiopia, "I hope in the future more children will come to be present and experience this event."

Source: Ethiopian News September 08, 2018 22:52 UTC