Ethiopian New Year

As a country with unique calendar, Ethiopia ushers in its new year, known as Enkutatash, on September 11 with vibrant celebrations. On New Year’s Eve, families light bundles of twigs, known as ‘chibo’, in front of their homes to mark the start of a new year. They gather around the fires, singing and dancing, and in some traditions, people leap over the glowing ashes as a symbol of leaving the old year behind and stepping into the new.

On the holiday, children dress in new clothes and visit their neighbors, offering bouquets of flowers or hand-painted artworks as gifts. Girls also go door to door singing the traditional holiday song, Abebayosh, for which they are rewarded with presents. The festivities continue with family feasts and holiday delicacies such as the famous chicken stew, ‘Doro Wat’.