Ethiopian New Year

Ethiopian New Year History

Ethiopian New Year, or Enkutatash marks the end of the rainy season and the start of a new year. The name Enkutatash means gift of jewels in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.

According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the holiday commemorates the return of the Queen of Sheba, who ruled over ancient Ethiopia, from a visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. The holiday is associated with the finding of the True Cross by the Roman Empress Helena in the 4th century. Ethiopians celebrate Enkutatash with colorful processions, traditional dances, and the burning of daisies to ward off evil spirits.

Festivities include traditional music and dance performances, as well as cultural displays and food markets. Many Ethiopian restaurants offer special menus for the occasion, featuring traditional dishes such as injera, a sourdough flatbread, and doro wat, a spicy chicken stew. Ethiopian New Year is celebrated on September 11th, coinciding with the end of the summer season and the start of fall.

Top 10 Facts for Ethiopian New Year in 2026

• The 2026 observance marks the official transition into the year 2019 according to the Ethiopian calendar, which remains seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar.
• Musical celebrations for the 2026 season are highlighted by the release of compilations, such as the Best Of Nahom's Ethiopian New Year's Non-Stop Music 2026, reflecting the vibrant cultural output associated with the holiday.
• The holiday is known as Enkutatash, an Amharic term meaning 'gift of jewels,' which originates from the legend of the Queen of Sheba’s return from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, when her chiefs replenished her treasury with jewels.
• In the United States, the Ethiopian diaspora frequently commemorates the day through community gatherings, embassy-hosted events, and cultural showcases that highlight traditional music, attire, and cuisine.
• The timing of the festival coincides with the conclusion of the long rainy season in Ethiopia, signaling a period of renewal, clear skies, and the blooming of the Adey Abeba—a distinct yellow daisy that covers the landscape.
• Traditional celebrations involve a New Year’s Eve, during which families often light wooden torches known as 'chibo' to symbolize the welcoming of a new season of sunshine and prosperity.
• A central culinary staple for the holiday is 'doro wot,' a flavorful and popular chicken stew traditionally shared among family and friends during celebratory feasts.
• Young children play a significant role in the festivities; it is customary for girls to dress in new clothes, gather bouquets of Adey Abeba, and sing songs while visiting neighbors who offer treats or small gifts in return.
• Beyond its cultural and secular appeal, the holiday holds historical and spiritual significance for early Ethiopian Christians, as the month of September is sometimes cited in tradition as the time of the Earth's creation.
• * Many families incorporate the tradition of spreading freshly cut green grass, called 'ketema,' on the floor of their homes to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for guests.

In the News and Trending in the US for Ethiopian New Year

Top things to do in the US for Ethiopian New Year's Day

• Participate in celebrations held around the country or visit Ethiopia. A notable place is the Ragual Church on Entoto mountain. Ethiopian New Year celebrations are both religious and secular. The day typically starts with church services and isfollowed by a family meal.
• Enjoy traditional Ethiopian dishes. Some examples include Injera (flat bread) and Wat (stew), Kitfo (minced meat), and Beyainatu (vegetable, potato, and curry mix).
• Enjoy coffee with family and friends. Coffee is an important part of Ethiopian New Year. The ritual of coffee serving and drinking serves as an important social occasion whereby relatives and friends can gather and discuss community matters.
• It's rooted in Ethiopian culture to give back to the community during the New Year, so volunteering or donating to charity is another way to participate in Enkutatash.