Ethiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee. According to Ethiopian legend, coffee was discovered in the 9th century by a young goat herder from the Kaffa region named Kaldi. He noticed his goats dancing and acting silly after eating the red berries of an unknown shrub. So, Kaldi decided to try the strange fruit himself, and he soon realized that it gave him an energy boost like nothing else.

Kaldi excitedly shared his discovery with the local monks, who, despite initial skepticism, eventually soaked the red berries in hot water. They found that the resulting beverage not only tasted delicious but also kept them awake during long nights of prayer.

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony, or buna, is a rich cultural ritual that celebrates hospitality, friendship, and respect. Led by a woman of the household, the experience typically takes a few hours and involves hand-washing, roasting, and grinding fresh beans before enjoying three distinct rounds of pouring. The coffee ceremony often includes serving a light snack, such as popcorn or bread.

In partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA), ETSS will present the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony at CMA at The Pizzuti. This program takes place in the Sculpture Garden and is presented in conversation with their current exhibition Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began, the program expands themes of Pan-African histories, diasporic knowledge, and the visibility of cultural traditions across the African continent and its global connections.

This event is free, but space is limited! Register to attend by visiting the CMA website here: https://13351p.blackbaudhosting.com/13351p/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=01e1111e-0de8-4a66-a21f-40f03a457525