Ethiopians Ring In Their New Year 2018: A Look at Enkutatash Celebrations

Mon Oct 20 2025 12:32:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ethiopia celebrates its unique New Year 2018, characterized by vibrant festivities, traditional rituals, and culinary delights. As the country marks the beginning of a new year, locals engage in customs and gatherings that capture their rich cultural heritage.

Ethiopia celebrates New Year 2018, an event known as Enkutatash. The Ethiopian calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, placing the new year seven years behind. Celebrations involve traditional foods, vibrant markets filled with flowers and livestock, and cultural festivities that highlight the country's rich traditions and a sense of community.

As Ethiopia ushers in its New Year—2018 on the Ethiopian calendar—celebrations buzz in cities and towns across the country. Distinct from the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia's unique timekeeping places it seven years behind western nations, making this New Year a special occasion steeped in cultural significance.

The holiday, referred to as Enkutatash, is celebrated with various festivities that bring together families and communities. Markets overflow with vibrant yellow 'adey ababa' flowers, cherished as symbols of hope, and livestock vendors showcase sheep and chickens, central to traditional holiday feasts. Eager shoppers flock to the markets, ensuring they are well-prepared for the celebratory meals.

At the heart of the celebrations are traditional meals featuring iconic dishes like 'doro wat', a spicy chicken stew served with injera. Many households even prepare grand feasts, with some opting for more expensive items like oxen for the occasion.

Amidst the festivities, cultural practices shine through. Young girls perform the song 'Abebayehosh' as they visit homes, spreading joy and festive cheer. Additionally, religious services held at churches combine prayers for the New Year with community bonding.

This year, the celebrations come amidst a renewed sense of unity and national pride, notably coinciding with the launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, an ambitious project signaling Ethiopia's aspirations for growth. As the Ethiopian people embrace their rich heritage, the enchanting atmosphere of Enkutatash encapsulates both the joy of new beginnings and the warmth of community spirit.