While much of the world is gearing up for 2025, Ethiopians are celebrating the arrival of their New Year, 2017, on September 11, 2024. This distinct celebration highlights Ethiopia’s unique calendar, which is seven years behind the widely used Gregorian calendar.
According to the Ethiopia News Agency, Ethiopians both at home and abroad, including communities in South Sudan, marked the New Year with various traditional celebrations. Unlike most countries that celebrate New Year on January 1, Ethiopia’s New Year falls on September 11, or on September 12 during leap years.
Ethiopia’s calendar system stands out globally due to its structure of 13 months—12 of which have 30 days each, and a 13th month, Pagumen, that has five days or six days in a leap year. This structure explains why the Ethiopian calendar runs on a different timeline compared to the Gregorian system.
As the festivities unfolded, tourists from different parts of the world joined Ethiopians in celebrating this special occasion. Among them was Marcoj Corvini, a tourist from Brazil, who expressed his surprise and excitement at being in Addis Ababa, his first African destination, during such a unique celebration. “I had no idea Ethiopia had a New Year celebration that is so different from the rest of the world,” said Corvini. “It’s an amazing experience to be here and witness the festivities.”
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Vikram Sriam, a tourist from India, shared similar sentiments, saying that it was his first time visiting Ethiopia and that the New Year celebration left a lasting impression on him. “Ethiopians have shown a hospitality that is very different from what I’ve experienced elsewhere,” said Sriam. He, alongside his fellow travelers, explored some of Ethiopia’s famous tourist sites, including the historical landmarks of Tigray in the northern region.
Sriam also extended warm New Year wishes to all Ethiopians, admiring the warmth and vibrant culture he encountered during his stay.
The Ethiopian New Year is an occasion deeply rooted in the nation’s history and traditions, and each year, it continues to be celebrated with great pride and joy. As the country marks the beginning of 2017 in its unique way, Ethiopians and tourists alike come together to embrace the culture, history, and hospitality that define this remarkable nation.