On January 1st, much of the world pauses to welcome a new year. However, the New Year in Ethiopia, celebrated in September, provides a different cultural experience altogether.
Flights are full, hotels are booked, and celebrations take place across continents. From Tokyo to New York, January 1st has become the globally recognized start of the year.
But in Ethiopia, January 1st is just another day.
Not because Ethiopians do not celebrate the New Year — but because Ethiopia follows a different calendar, one it has preserved for centuries while much of the world chose to adopt a new system.
How January 1st Became the World’s New Year
The calendar used by most of the world today — the Gregorian calendar — was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to correct inaccuracies in the older Julian calendar.
European countries gradually adopted it, and through colonization, trade, diplomacy, and globalization, the Gregorian calendar spread worldwide. Over time, January 1st became the international New Year, not because it was ancient, but because it was widely adopted.
Ethiopia Kept the Calendar It Had Received
While much of the world changed its calendar, Ethiopia did not.
Instead, Ethiopia continued using the calendar it had already received — a system rooted in the Coptic calendar, which itself traces back to ancient Egyptian timekeeping. This calendar had long been integrated into Ethiopian religious life, culture, and daily administration.
For Ethiopia, there was no reason to replace a system that already worked and was deeply connected to its identity.
Why Ethiopia Is 7–8 Years Behind
The Ethiopian calendar is currently seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. This difference comes from a different historical calculation of the birth of Jesus Christ, preserved from early Christian traditions.
It is not an error or a delay — it is simply the result of following an older timeline.
Thirteen Months of Sunshine
The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months:
- 12 months with exactly 30 days
- A 13th month, Pagumē, with 5 days (or 6 in a leap year)
This balanced structure is why Ethiopians often say they enjoy “13 months of sunshine.”
When Ethiopia Celebrates the New Year
Ethiopia celebrates its New Year, Enkutatash, in September — usually on September 11th (or September 12th in a Gregorian leap year).
This date marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring, making it a time of renewal both culturally and naturally.
What Travelers Need to Know: No Need to Worry
For visitors planning a trip to Ethiopia, the different calendar often raises an important question:
Will this affect my travel, bookings, or daily activities?
The simple answer is no.
Ethiopia Uses Both Calendars in Travel and Business
While the Ethiopian calendar is used culturally and nationally, the Gregorian calendar is widely used alongside it, especially in international and tourism-related settings.
- Airports and airlines use the Gregorian calendar for all flights, tickets, and schedules
- Banks and financial institutions clearly display and operate with both calendars
- Hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies use the Gregorian calendar for reservations, confirmations, and invoices
- International organizations, embassies, and NGOs operate entirely on the Gregorian calendar
- Visas, passports, and immigration documents follow international (Gregorian) dates
You will see dates written clearly, often with both calendars shown together, ensuring clarity for locals and visitors alike.
Travel in Ethiopia Is Seamless
From airport arrivals to hotel check-ins, from tour itineraries to domestic flights, travel in Ethiopia follows international standards. Visitors do not need to convert dates or adjust plans — your bookings and schedules remain exactly as you expect.
The Ethiopian calendar adds cultural richness, not confusion.
A Different Calendar, A Welcoming Destination
While January 1st marks the New Year for much of the world, Ethiopia celebrates on its own timeline — one shaped by ancient history and continuity.
But when it comes to travel, hospitality, and international services, Ethiopia speaks the same global language.
Ethiopia is not behind.
It is not disconnected.
It simply keeps its heritage — while welcoming the world.
