Ethiopian New Year - the Time of Lavishness, Forgiveness, Hopefulness and Family Reunion

Unlike most countries, Ethiopia celebrates its own New Year called Enkutatash, on September 11 based on the Julian calendar. The Ethiopian year consists 12 months 30 days, plus a 13th month called Pagumen. Pagumen could have five or six timekeeping days. Based on its calendar, Ethiopia is seven or eight years behind the western world.

Ethiopians welcome their New Year and St. John (Kidus Yohanes) festivity in a highly anticipated manner. After the rainy, foggy and muddy months of June, July and August, September draws nigh with new hope and ambitions. It creates huge excitement and mental satisfaction accentuated by blooming flowers, flowing rivers, shinning sunny days and pleasant weather. During this special time, Ethiopians who live in different parts of the world flock to their country of origin to celebrate New Year and Kidus Yohanes. Quarreled ones forgive each other, share greetings and gifts to their loved ones.

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