Ethiopian New Year

Ethiopian New Year History

The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is a festive occasion that marks the beginning of a new year according to the Ethiopian calendar. This observance is celebrated not only in Ethiopia, but by Ethiopian communities around the world. An important cultural and religious event, the Ethiopian New Year is characterized by various activities, including feasts, prayers, and the giving of symbolic gifts, which all signify a fresh start, optimism, and the renewal of faith.

Although the Ethiopian New Year's roots are steeped in historical and religious contexts, its core values of unity, love, and hope resonate with people from various backgrounds, including those in Canada. Multiculturalism is at the core of Canada's identity, and the observance of Enkutatash provides an opportunity for Ethiopian-Canadians to contribute to this cultural mosaic by sharing their traditions, customs, and stories. This celebration also fosters a greater understanding of the Ethiopian heritage among non-Ethiopians and promotes meaningful cultural exchange and dialogue.

In Canada, the Ethiopian New Year is celebrated by numerous Ethiopian-Canadian communities across the country, with events often including traditional music, dance, and food. Local community centres or Ethiopian establishments may host Enkutatash gatherings, often featuring cultural performances and exhibitions. For those interested in participating or witnessing the celebration, it is essential to note that the Ethiopian calendar - which is seven years behind the Gregorian one - sets the New Year observance to September 11th or 12th on the Gregorian calendar, depending on the leap year.

Ethiopian New Year facts

• Ethiopian New Year occurs on Meskerem 1st on the Ethiopian calendar which is September 11th (or September 12th during leap year) on the Gregorian (Western) calendar. In Ethiopia they go by the Orthodox Julian calendar which is made up of 12 months of 30 days along with a 13th month (Pagume) that consists of 5 or 6 days depending on if it’s leap year. When compared to the Gregorian calendar, this Ethiopian calendar is exactly 7 years and 8 months behind it.
• Ethiopian New Year is known as Enkutatash in the Amharic language. It means gift of jewels. This name comes from the story of the Queen of Sheba who, according to the Bible and other ancient texts, was the ancient queen of Ethiopia. It’s said she traveled to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon and bring him treasure. Upon her return, the chiefs of Ethiopia welcomed her with jewels.
• The Ethiopian calendar consists of thirteen months. The twelve months each have thirty days, and there is an additional intercalary month known as Pagumē, which has five days and six days in a leap year.
• The Ethiopian community in Canada consists of about 30,000 people, primarily living in urban areas such as Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa.
• Traditional Ethiopian dishes are an important part of the New Year celebrations, featuring injera (a sourdough flatbread) served with various meat and vegetarian dishes.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Ethiopian New Year

Top things to do in Canada for Ethiopian New Year's Day

• Participate in celebrations held around the country or visit Ethiopia. A notable place is the Ragual Church on Entoto mountain. Ethiopian New Year celebrations are both religious and secular. The day typically starts with church services and isfollowed by a family meal.
• Enjoy traditional Ethiopian dishes. Some examples include Injera (flat bread) and Wat (stew), Kitfo (minced meat), and Beyainatu (vegetable, potato, and curry mix).
• Weather permitting, Ethiopian communities in Canada may organize outdoor picnics and family-friendly activities to celebrate the New Year together.
• To indulge in authentic Ethiopian cuisine during the New Year, visit Ethiopian restaurants that may offer special menus for Enkutatash. Many Ethiopian restaurants serve traditional dishes like injera (a sourdough flatbread), doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and kitfo (minced raw beef).