Ethiopia celebrates its New Year, known as Enkutatash, on September 11th (or September 12th in a leap year). While much of the world recognizes January 1st as the start of the year, Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, which is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. This difference means that when much of the world celebrates 2025, Ethiopia is celebrating 2018. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months—twelve months of 30 days and one short month of five or six days, depending on the leap year.
Enkutatash, which translates to “gift of jewels,” has both cultural and religious significance. It coincides with the end of the rainy season, when the Ethiopian highlands are covered with blooming yellow Adey Abeba flowers, a symbol of renewal and hope. The holiday also has roots in the biblical story of the Queen of Sheba, who is said to have returned to Ethiopia from her visit to King Solomon around this time of year.
Traditionally, the celebration begins with church services, followed by family gatherings, singing, and dancing. Children often go from house to house singing songs and receiving small gifts, much like caroling. Families share meals together, with dishes such as doro wat (spiced chicken stew) and injera (Ethiopian flatbread). The day is filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude for the harvest season that has just passed.
For many Ethiopians, Enkutatash is not just about marking a date on the calendar; it is about celebrating identity, heritage, and the strength of community. It is a time of renewal, when people look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism.
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9/11 - Ethiopian New Year – Enkutatash
Ethiopia celebrates its New Year, known as Enkutatash, on September 11th (or September 12th in a leap year). While much of the world recognizes January 1st as the start of the year, Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, which is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. This difference means that when much of the world celebrates 2025, Ethiopia is celebrating 2018. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months—twelve months of 30 days and one short month of five or six days, depending on the leap year.
Enkutatash, which translates to “gift of jewels,” has both cultural and religious significance. It coincides with the end of the rainy season, when the Ethiopian highlands are covered with blooming yellow Adey Abeba flowers, a symbol of renewal and hope. The holiday also has roots in the biblical story of the Queen of Sheba, who is said to have returned to Ethiopia from her visit to King Solomon around this time of year.
Traditionally, the celebration begins with church services, followed by family gatherings, singing, and dancing. Children often go from house to house singing songs and receiving small gifts, much like caroling. Families share meals together, with dishes such as doro wat (spiced chicken stew) and injera (Ethiopian flatbread). The day is filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude for the harvest season that has just passed.
For many Ethiopians, Enkutatash is not just about marking a date on the calendar; it is about celebrating identity, heritage, and the strength of community. It is a time of renewal, when people look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism.
Happy Ethiopian New Year – Enkutatash!
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