Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Today, Thursday, September 11, 2025, Ethiopians and Eritreans mark the beginning of the year 2018 in the Ethiopian calendar, a celebration known as Enkutatash (in Amharic: እንቁጣጣሽ). Ethiopian Calendar+1

Enkutatash falls on 1 Mäskäräm, the first day of the Ethiopian year, which usually corresponds to September 11 in the Gregorian calendar — except in leap years, when it falls on September 12. Wikipedia+2Ethiopian Calendar+2

The Ethiopian calendar is about 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar, owing to different calculations tied to the Annunciation of Christ. As of today, while many parts of the world observe the year 2025 (Gregorian), Ethiopia is now in the year 2018. Ethiopian Calendar+1

What is Enkutatash and how it is celebrated:

• The name “Enkutatash” means “Gift of Jewels”, which harks back to tradition when the Queen of Sheba returned from her visit to King Solomon, and her subjects celebrated with gifts. Wikipedia+1

• The holiday signals the end of the rainy season and the blossoming of the Meskel flowers (often called Adey Abeba), which color the landscapes in many parts of Ethiopia. Wikipedia+2ethiopianholidays.com+2

• Customs include visiting churches in the morning, families gathering for traditional meals, wearing new clothes, young girls collecting and giving flowers, and exchanging greetings and well wishes. Wikipedia+2ethiopianholidays.com+2

Why this matters:

• Enkutatash is a deeply rooted cultural and religious holiday that unites communities through shared history, faith, and festivities.

• It is a reminder of Ethiopia’s unique calendar system, which continues to be widely used in civil, religious, and social life in the country. Wikipedia

• The holiday is also an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and looking ahead with hope and optimism as the year begins.

Source Credit:

Based on information from Wikipedia Enkutatash / Ethiopian Calendar and EthiopianCalendar.net (2025).