While most of the world is preparing for 2026 in a few months, Ethiopia just stepped into the year 2018.  The Ethiopian New Year is known as Enkutatash and it’s celebrated every year on September 11th (September 12th on leap years).  Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian calendar which is based on the Coptic calendar which is currently seven years behind the Gregrorian calendar that most of the world follows. Ethiopia has maintained their traditional system of time calculated from the birth of Christ during ancient times. 

The Ethiopian calendar is the Geʽez calendar, based on the Coptic Christian traditions that also keeps their cultural identity.  Their calendar is 13 months instead of 12 like the Gregorian calendar most of the world uses.  It includes 12 months of 30 days each and a short 5-6 day month at the end. Because of the calculations of days/months it’s 2018 on their calendar. 

Enkutatash is a celebration of renewal, hope and culture in Ethiopia. The time of year is also the end of the rainy season and beginning of their spring. There is a sense of optimism in the air while families gather for elaborate festivities that include huge feasts.  Children dress in white and sing traditional songs while people exchange flowers and gifts to welcome the new year. 

Ethiopians have the ability to switch based on the world they are living in. While tradition has them in 2018, they easily switch to 2025 when doing business with the rest of the world.

Watch more to learn about Ethiopian New Year here: