Ethiopian holidays
Dates in Gregorian and Ethiopian calendars. Pick a holiday to see when it falls this year.
Ethiopian Orthodox
Timketጥምቀት
Timket marks the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Across Ethiopia, parishes carry sacred tabots in colorful processions, then gather for prayer, music, and the blessing of water at dawn.
Ethiopian Orthodox
Ethiopian Christmasገና
Ethiopians celebrate Genna — Ethiopian Christmas — on Tahsas 29, which falls on January 7 in most years.
National
Victory of Adwa
Victory of Adwa commemorates Ethiopia's defeat of Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896 — a landmark moment of African independence.
Islamic
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with prayer, charity, and family gatherings across Ethiopia's Muslim communities.
Ethiopian Orthodox
Ethiopian Good Fridayስቅለት
Siqlet is Ethiopian Orthodox Good Friday — a solemn day marking the crucifixion of Jesus, observed during Holy Week before Fasika.
Ethiopian Orthodox
Fasikaፋሲካ
Fasika is Ethiopian Orthodox Easter — the resurrection feast after fifty-five days of fasting.
National
International Labour Day
International Labour Day on May 1 honors workers and the labor movement. It is a public holiday across Ethiopia.
National
Patriots' Victory Day
Patriots' Victory Day commemorates Ethiopia's liberation from Fascist Italian occupation in May 1941.
National
Downfall of the Derg
This holiday marks the end of the Derg military regime on May 28, 1991 and the beginning of a new political chapter for Ethiopia.
Islamic
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (Arefa) is the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, observed with prayer, charity, and communal meals.
Islamic
Prophet's Birthday
Mawlid celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad with prayers, readings, and community gatherings in Ethiopia and across the Muslim world.
Cultural
Enkutatashእንቁጣጣሽ
Enkutatash marks Meskerem 1 — the first day of the Ethiopian year, usually September 11 on the Gregorian calendar.
Ethiopian Orthodox
Meskelመስቀል
Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross. The eve features Demera — bonfires lit in churchyards and public squares.