Happy New Year!
Hold on—no, we haven’t lost track of time. Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, and as of today, it’s 2018!
Known as Enkutatash (“Gift of Jewels”), the Ethiopian New Year is celebrated on September 11 (or 12 in a leap year). It marks the end of the rainy season, when the countryside blooms with bright yellow adey abeba (daisies).
Families gather, children sing traditional Hoya Hoye songs, and girls bring flowers to neighbors in exchange for small gifts. Bonfires (chibo) are lit on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing farewell to the old year and hope for peace and prosperity in the new one.
This year, the celebration carries even deeper meaning. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his greetings by linking the New Year with Ethiopia’s historic milestone: the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
“The dam is a testament to what we have achieved, while the lake reflects what is yet to come.”
He described GERD as a symbol of unity, courage, and sacrifice—a “historic chapter” for Ethiopia. Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia’s journey of renewal is only beginning:
“What others throw at us must push us upward. We must put our minds and hands to work. The speed, vision, and creativity of our people will define Ethiopia’s future.”
መልካም አዲስ ዓመት!
Happy Ethiopian New Year!
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