Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)
Description
Enkutatash marks the beginning of the Ethiopian New Year and the first day of the Ethiopian calendar month of Meskerem. The celebration takes place across Ethiopia and is associated with renewal, family gatherings, and welcoming the new year. Families and communities come together for festive meals, traditional songs, dancing, and visits with relatives and friends. In many communities, girls traditionally sing New Year songs and offer flowers while wishing people peace and prosperity for the year ahead. In Addis Ababa and other towns, visitors can experience public celebrations, cultural performances, traditional food, and the festive atmosphere surrounding the New Year. Visitors should be respectful when joining family or community celebrations and ask permission before photographing people or private gatherings.
Do
- Join public celebrations respectfully and follow local customs.
- Experience traditional songs, dances, food, and cultural performances.
- Visit local communities and public celebration areas to experience the festive atmosphere.
- Try traditional Ethiopian foods served during the holiday.
- Learn about the Ethiopian calendar and New Year traditions.
- Ask permission before taking close-up photographs of people or private celebrations.
- Share New Year greetings with local people when appropriate.
Don't
- Do not enter private celebrations without an invitation.
- Do not photograph people closely without permission.
- Do not treat traditional songs and cultural practices as entertainment without respecting their meaning.
- Do not make assumptions about local customs; follow the guidance of hosts and community members.
- Do not litter at public celebration sites.
