A party to celebrate the Ethiopian New Year will take place at Astwood Park tomorrow — and revellers are guaranteed to feel years younger.

The 6.30 p.m. event will mark the start of the year 2002 — because the Ethiopian calendar is more than seven years behind the Gregorian calendar used by much of the rest of the world.

Organiser Amadi Selassie — also known as Donelle Lynch — said Ethiopian food and clothes would be on sale with all proceeds going toward educational supplies and books for children in the African country.

Mrs. Selassie, a Bermudian who runs a school in Shashamane in central Ethiopia, said all were welcome at the party.

"Ethiopia still follows the orthodox Julian calender which consists of 12 months of 30 days and a 13th month 'pagume' of five or six days," she said.

"Depending on the weather, on New Year's Eve in Ethiopia torches of dry leaves and wood bundled in the form of tall and thick sticks are set in front of houses as the young and old sing.

"Early in the morning everybody goes to the church wearing traditional clothes. After church there is a family meal of enjera, a flat bread, and wat, which is stew.

"The girls go from house to house singing New Year's songs for money and boys sell pictures they have drawn. In the evening, families go to visit their friends and drink tella, the traditional Ethiopian beer, while the elders discuss their hopes for the New Year."

Anyone interested in giving items to be sent to Ethiopia should contact Mrs. Selassie on 236-9122 or can e-mail amadiselassie@yahoo.com or call Shirika Young on 799-3093.

Cash donations can be made to Bank of Bermuda account number 006 010482 011.