Ethiopians across the world marked the dawn of a new era on Thursday, September 11, 2025, as the country celebrated the start of its New Year 2018, known locally as Enkutatash.
The celebration, rooted in both ancient traditions and religious significance, comes from Ethiopia’s unique Ethiopian Orthodox calendar, which is roughly seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar used internationally. As a result, while much of the world counts 2025, Ethiopians have just stepped into 2018.
A Season of Renewal
Enkutatash, which translates as “gift of jewels,” is traditionally celebrated at the end of the long rainy season, when the countryside blooms with the golden Adey Abeba flowers. It is a period of renewal, thanksgiving, and hope, with families gathering to exchange blessings and gifts.
In homes and churches, Ethiopians light candles, sing hymns, and share festive meals. Young girls, dressed in traditional white cotton dresses with colorful embroidery, sing New Year songs from house to house, receiving small gifts in return.
National Significance
The holiday also carries deep national and cultural significance. Ethiopia remains one of the few countries in the world that follows its own calendar system, a fact many citizens proudly view as a symbol of cultural independence and identity.
This year’s celebrations have been accompanied by calls from religious leaders for peace, unity, and resilience amid the country’s ongoing political and economic challenges.
Diaspora Celebrations
The Ethiopian diaspora has also joined in the festivities, with vibrant cultural shows, music concerts, and community gatherings taking place in cities such as Washington D.C., London, and Dubai, where large Ethiopian communities reside.
Messages of Hope
Ethiopian leaders used the occasion to urge citizens to embrace the values of peace, hard work, and solidarity in the year ahead.
“Enkutatash is a reminder that even after hardship, renewal comes,” one church leader said in his message. “Let this New Year inspire us to work together for the betterment of our nation and our people.”
As Ethiopia steps into 2018 on its own calendar, the spirit of hope, resilience, and cultural pride remains strong — uniting its people at home and abroad.
Source – My News Ghana
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