On September 11, 2026, Ethiopia entered the year 2019 according to its traditional calendar. The celebration, known as Enkutatash, is marked by families coming together for food, coffee ceremonies, songs, prayers and other cultural activities.
But why does Ethiopia have 13 months?
The Ethiopian calendar has 12 months, each containing 30 days. It also has a short 13th month known as Pagumē. This final month normally has five days, but it has six days during a leap year.
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This system means the Ethiopian calendar is around seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar used in many parts of the world.
The difference is linked to ancient calculations concerning the date of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church maintained a calendar system connected to the older Alexandrian tradition, which developed differently from the calendar used in Western countries.
Astronomy also played an important role in how people understood time.
Ancient communities observed the sun, moon, stars and changes in the seasons to understand the passing of time. Such knowledge was especially important for farmers who depended on seasonal changes to plan their activities.
Ethiopia's New Year also has a strong connection with nature.
Enkutatash comes around when the main rainy season is ending in many parts of the country. The skies begin to clear, while yellow Adey Abeba flowers appear across the highlands.
The flowers have become one of the best-known symbols of the celebration.
The difference is linked to ancient calculations concerning the date of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church maintained a calendar system connected to the older Alexandrian tradition, which developed differently from the calendar used in Western countries.
Astronomy also played an important role in how people understood time.
Ancient communities observed the sun, moon, stars and changes in the seasons to understand the passing of time. Such knowledge was especially important for farmers who depended on seasonal changes to plan their activities.
Ethiopia's New Year also has a strong connection with nature.
Enkutatash comes around when the main rainy season is ending in many parts of the country. The skies begin to clear, while yellow Adey Abeba flowers appear across the highlands.
The flowers have become one of the best-known symbols of the celebration.
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In many homes, families prepare for the New Year with traditional meals and coffee ceremonies. Some communities also light a chibo, a torch made from dry sticks, as part of the celebrations.
Young girls dressed in traditional white clothes may move from one home to another singing songs and wishing people a happy and successful New Year. They may carry yellow flowers or drawings as they share their greetings.
Enkutatash is therefore more than simply the beginning of another year. It brings together history, religion, astronomy, agriculture and Ethiopian culture.
For generations, the calendar has remained an important part of the country's identity. As Ethiopians welcomed 2019, the celebration once again showed how ancient traditions can continue to shape modern life.
Young girls dressed in traditional white clothes may move from one home to another singing songs and wishing people a happy and successful New Year. They may carry yellow flowers or drawings as they share their greetings.
Enkutatash is therefore more than simply the beginning of another year. It brings together history, religion, astronomy, agriculture and Ethiopian culture.
For generations, the calendar has remained an important part of the country's identity. As Ethiopians welcomed 2019, the celebration once again showed how ancient traditions can continue to shape modern life.
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