Calendar and Holiday

New Year’s Day (Enkutatash): This is the Ethiopian New Year, which is celebrated on September 11th or 12th of the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for new beginnings and is celebrated with feasting, dancing, and music.

Meskel: This is a Christian holiday that commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena. It is celebrated on September 27th. A bonfire is lit and people walk around it in a circle, singing and dancing.
Feast of the Epiphany (Timket): This is a Christian holiday that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on January 19th. A replica of the Ark of the Covenant is carried in a procession through the streets and then immersed in a river or lake.

Eid al-Fitr: This is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. People celebrate by feasting, praying, and visiting family and friends.

Eid al-Adha: This is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. People celebrate by sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat to the poor.

Birth of Jesus (Ganna): The birth of Jesus is celebrated on Christmas Day, which is December 25th. Christmas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world.

Victory of Adwa Day: This is a national holiday that commemorates the victory of Ethiopia over Italy in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. It is celebrated on March 2nd.

Irrechaa: is a traditional Ethiopian festival that is celebrated by the Oromo people. It is a time for celebration and thanksgiving, and it is also a time to remember the Oromo culture and heritage.