Ethiopia celebrates New Year 2019 using traditional calendar

Ethiopia celebrated its New Year, known as Enkutatash, marking the transition from the year 2018 to 2019. While much of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia utilizes its own system, the Ge’ez calendar, which is based on ancient religious and astronomical traditions.

The Ethiopian calendar consists of 13 months: 12 months of exactly 30 days each, plus a thirteenth month called Pagume. Pagume contains five days in common years and six days during leap years, serving as a transitional period before the new year begins with the month of Meskerem.

This celebration typically occurs around September 11 or 12 and signifies the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring in the region. The calendar is deeply integrated into the country's daily life, governing religious ceremonies, school schedules, public administration, and social activities.