ETHIOPIA WELCOMES A NEW YEAR AS ENKUTATASH MARKS THE START OF 2019

Ethiopians celebrate Enkutatash on September 11, 2026, welcoming a new year through cultural traditions, community celebrations and a calendar that differs from the Gregorian system. Ethiopia is welcoming its New Year today, September 11, 2026, as communities across the country mark Enkutatash, the traditional New Year celebration. The day is a public holiday in Ethiopia and, in 2026, falls on Friday, September 11. The celebration marks the beginning of Ethiopian calendar year 2019.Enkutatash is more than a change of date. It is a cultural moment associated with renewal, family, community and the beginning of a new season. Celebrations are often marked by people wearing traditional clothing, gathering together, singing and taking part in festive activities.One of the most striking features of Ethiopian New Year celebrations is the strong visual presence of traditional white clothing and distinctive cultural dress. The colours, patterns and ceremonial gatherings give the celebration a powerful sense of identity and continuity.The date also draws attention to Ethiopia’s distinctive calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar has 12 months of 30 days each, followed by a shorter 13th month, Pagume. This calendar structure is one reason Ethiopia’s New Year arrives in September rather than January.For many people, Enkutatash represents a fresh beginning: a time to look forward, reconnect with loved ones and celebrate Ethiopian heritage. As the country enters 2019, the New Year festivities place culture and tradition at the centre of the occasion.From colourful decorations and traditional clothing to communal ceremonies, Enkutatash offers a vivid window into Ethiopia’s cultural life. The celebration also continues to attract attention beyond Ethiopia, as audiences around the world learn more about one of Africa’s distinctive calendar traditions.Melkam Addis Amet — Happy Ethiopian New Year!Source note: Enkutatash is a public holiday in Ethiopia on September 11, 2026, and marks the start of Ethiopian year 2019.