| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Jan 07,2023 | Ethiopian Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Jan 19,2023 | Epiphany / Timkat | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Mar 02,2023 | Adwa Victory Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Ethiopian Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Fasika | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | Eid ul Fitr | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | International Labor Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | May 05,2023 | Patriots' Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Derg Downfall Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Sep 12,2023 | Ethiopian New Year | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 27,2023 | The Prophet's Birthday (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Sep 28,2023 | Meskel | Public Holiday |
Ethiopian Christmas, known as "Gena" or "Lidet," is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. This holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Ethiopians attend church services, engage in prayers, and partake in a special meal called "doro wat" (spicy chicken stew). Cultural importance lies in the religious significance, as well as the vibrant processions and music that accompany the celebrations. Gena is a time for family gatherings, fostering a sense of togetherness and faith among Ethiopians.
Timkat, also known as Epiphany, is celebrated on January 19th or 20th, depending on the year. It marks the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Ethiopians participate in colorful processions, with priests carrying replicas of the Ark of the Covenant. Water plays a central role, symbolizing the baptismal waters of the Jordan River. Timkat is a culturally significant event that reaffirms the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian faith and brings communities together to celebrate their religious heritage.
Adwa Victory Day, celebrated on March 2nd, commemorates the Ethiopian victory over Italian forces in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, highlighting Ethiopia's resilience and determination to maintain its independence. Ceremonies, parades, and speeches honor the heroes of Adwa. This holiday holds immense cultural importance as it reinforces the spirit of unity and resistance against colonialism in Ethiopian history.
Ethiopian Good Friday, known as "Siklet," is a solemn religious observance occurring on the Friday before Easter. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Ethiopians attend church services, participate in processions, and fast throughout the day. Cultural significance lies in the deep spiritual reflection and the sense of sacrifice associated with Good Friday. It fosters a strong connection to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and serves as a time for repentance and devotion.
Fasika, Ethiopian Easter, follows Good Friday and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It usually falls in April, following the Ethiopian calendar. Families gather for church services, feasts featuring "doro wat," and the breaking of the fast. Cultural importance lies in the spiritual significance and the joyous atmosphere that permeates the country during Fasika. It is a time of renewal, forgiveness, and unity among Ethiopians.
Eid ul Fitr, known as "Id al-Fitr" in Ethiopia, is celebrated by the Muslim community at the end of Ramadan. It is a time of festive prayers, feasting, and giving to the less fortunate. Cultural significance is found in the spirit of generosity, community, and the coming together of families and friends. Eid ul Fitr emphasizes the importance of compassion and charity in Ethiopian society.
International Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st, recognizes the contributions of workers worldwide. Ethiopians mark this day with parades, speeches, and discussions about labor rights and workers' issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and social justice. Labor Day highlights the role of workers in Ethiopia's development and emphasizes the value of labor and workers' well-being in the country's cultural and economic landscape.
Patriots' Day, observed on May 5th, commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Ethiopian patriots who fought against Italian occupation during the first Italo-Ethiopian War. Ceremonies, wreath-laying, and speeches pay tribute to these national heroes. This holiday holds cultural importance by preserving the memory of those who defended Ethiopia's sovereignty and independence. It instills a sense of pride and unity among Ethiopians.
Derg Downfall Day, celebrated on May 28th, marks the fall of the Derg regime in 1991. It signifies the end of a dark period in Ethiopian history. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances that reflect the hope and optimism for a new era of freedom and democracy. Cultural significance lies in the acknowledgment of Ethiopia's resilience and the celebration of a brighter future.
Eid al-Adha, known as "Id al-Adha" in Ethiopia, is a significant Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Ethiopians engage in special prayers at the mosque, the sacrifice of an animal, and the distribution of meat to the needy. This holiday promotes solidarity, compassion, and devotion within the Ethiopian Muslim community, emphasizing the cultural and religious ties that bind its members together.
Ethiopian New Year, known as "Enkutatash," falls on September 11th or 12th, depending on the year. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the new year. Ethiopians celebrate with cultural traditions, including the lighting of bonfires and the giving of "Melkam Addis Amet" greetings. Enkutatash is a time of renewal, hope, and cultural significance, as it reflects Ethiopia's rich heritage and the importance of agriculture in the country's cultural landscape.
The Prophet's Birthday, known as "Mawlid al-Nabi" in Ethiopia, is observed by the Muslim community, though the date may vary each year. It commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Ethiopians engage in religious gatherings, prayers, and celebrations. The cultural importance lies in the reverence for the Prophet and the fostering of unity within the Ethiopian Muslim community. It is a time for reflection and deepening of faith.
Meskel, celebrated on September 27th, is one of the most significant religious festivals in Ethiopia. It marks the finding of the True Cross by Empress Helena. Ethiopians participate in vibrant processions, light bonfires, and sing hymns. Meskel Square in Addis Ababa hosts a grand celebration. Cultural significance is found in the deep-rooted Ethiopian Orthodox Christian faith and the sense of community that this holiday fosters. Meskel exemplifies Ethiopia's rich cultural and religious heritage.
