In 2025, Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) will be celebrated on September 11, 2025 (Thursday), which corresponds to Meskerem 1, 2018 E.C. in the Ethiopian calendar.
Enkutatash literally translates to 'gift of jewels'. According to Ethiopian tradition, the holiday dates back over 3,000 years to the Queen of Sheba (Makeda). Upon her return from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, Ethiopian chiefs welcomed her back with chests of sparkling jewels (enqu). Falling on Meskerem 1 (September 11 or 12), it marks the end of the heavy Kiremt monsoon rains and symbolizes renewal, harvest, and fresh beginnings.
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) in 2025 takes place on September 11, 2025 (Thursday). On the Ethiopian calendar, this date is Meskerem 1, 2018 E.C. (መስከረም ፩ ቀን ፳፻፲፰ ዓ.ም.).
Yes. It is an official federal public holiday throughout Ethiopia. All federal and regional ministries, commercial banks, universities, schools, and major financial institutions remain closed.
The most common greeting is "መልካም አዲስ ዓመት!" (Melkam Addis Amet!), which means "Happy New Year!". The traditional response is "እንኳን አብሮ አደረሰን!" (May we celebrate it together!).
Celebrations traditionally feature Doro Wat (spicy, slow-cooked chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs), Injera (fermented teff sourdough flatbread), Defo Dabo (traditional spiced sourdough wheat bread baked wrapped in banana or koba leaves), Tej (fermented Ethiopian honey wine) and Tella (traditional barley and hops beer), served with fresh Injera flatbread and traditional hospitality.
Holiday gatherings in Ethiopia and the diaspora are filled with precious elder stories, church liturgies, and songs. Record them on your phone, and let Andebet transcribe every word in Amharic, Afaan Oromo, or Tigrinya into native Ge'ez fidel and Latin scripts.