Ethiopian Holidaysየኢትዮጵያ በዓላት
Dates, meaning and traditions for Ethiopia's major public, religious and cultural holidays — each with free greeting cards you can share. The Ethiopian Calendar app reminds you before every one.
Ethiopian New Year · እንቁጣጣሽ
September 12, 2027in 339 days
When is Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash)? Learn the date, the meaning of the yellow Adey Abeba, how families celebrate, and how to say Melkam Addis Amet — with free greeting cards.
Read more →
Meskel — Finding of the True Cross · መስቀል
September 28, 2027in 355 days
Meskel celebrates the finding of the True Cross with the great Demera bonfire. Learn the date, the legend of Empress Helena, and how Ethiopians mark this UNESCO-listed festival.
Read more →
Timket — Ethiopian Epiphany · ጥምቀት
January 19, 2027in 103 days
Timket is the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany celebrating the baptism of Jesus. Learn the date, the procession of the Tabot, and why UNESCO recognises this festival of colour and water.
Read more →
Genna — Ethiopian Christmas · ገና
January 7, 2027in 91 days
Genna is Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on 7 January after weeks of fasting. Learn the date, the all-night church service, the game of genna, and how families feast.
Read more →
Fasika — Ethiopian Easter · ፋሲካ
May 2, 2027in 206 days
Fasika is Ethiopian Orthodox Easter, the most important religious holiday of the year. Learn how the date is set, the 55-day Great Lent, the midnight service and the feast that breaks the fast.
Read more →
Victory of Adwa · የአድዋ ድል በዓል
March 2, 2027in 145 days
Adwa Victory Day marks Ethiopia's 1896 triumph over invading Italian forces — a landmark victory for African independence. Learn the date, the history, and how the day is honoured.
Read more →
Siklet — Ethiopian Good Friday · ስቅለት
April 30, 2027in 204 days
Siklet is Ethiopian Orthodox Good Friday, the solemn day marking the crucifixion of Jesus. Learn the date, the all-day service and prostrations, and how it leads into Fasika.
Read more →
Eid al-Fitr · ዒድ አል ፈጥር
March 9, 2027in 152 days
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a public holiday in Ethiopia. Learn how the date is set, the Eid prayer and feast, Zakat al-Fitr, and how to say Eid Mubarak.
Read more →
Eid al-Adha (Arefa) · ዒድ አል አድሐ
May 16, 2027in 220 days
Eid al-Adha, known in Ethiopia as Arefa, is the Feast of Sacrifice and a public holiday. Learn the date, the story of Ibrahim, the Eid prayer and the sharing of the qurbani.
Read more →
Mawlid — Birth of the Prophet · መውሊድ
August 14, 2027in 310 days
Mawlid (Moulid) celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is a public holiday in Ethiopia. Learn the date, the devotional gatherings and how it is marked.
Read more →
Martyrs' Day (Yekatit 12) · የሰማዕታት ቀን
February 19, 2027in 134 days
Ethiopia's Martyrs' Day honours the victims of the 1937 Yekatit 12 massacre in Addis Ababa. Learn the date, the history and how the day is commemorated.
Read more →
Patriots' Victory Day · የአርበኞች ቀን
May 5, 2027in 209 days
Patriots' Victory Day honours the Ethiopian resistance fighters and the 1941 liberation of Addis Ababa from Italian occupation. Learn the date and the history.
Read more →
Nations, Nationalities & Peoples' Day · የብሔር ብሔረሰቦች ቀን
December 8, 2026in 61 days
Ethiopia's Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Day celebrates the country's diversity and the 1994 constitution. Learn the date and how the festival is hosted each year.
Read more →
International Labour Day · የሰራተኞች ቀን
May 1, 2027in 205 days
International Labour Day, celebrated on 1 May, is a public holiday in Ethiopia honouring workers and their rights. Learn how May Day is marked.
Read more →