Ethiopean New Year’s Day is the first day of the month of Meskerem, which corresponds to 11 September on the Gregorian Calendar. The holiday is named “Enkutatash”, meaning “a gift of jewels” because it is thought that the Queen of Sheba returned to Ethiopia on this day some 3,000 years ago with a gift of jewels from King Solomon of Israel.

The most important religious holiday on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s calendar is called “Meskel” and is based on a legend of the discovery of the true cross of Christ in the fourth century A.D. by Helen, who was Emperor of Rome at the time. It is thought that a piece of the true cross she rediscovered was brought to Ethiopia and remains there to this day.

Ethiopian Easter 2023, 2024 and 2025 in Ethiopia

Ethiopia celebrates Easter according to the Julian Calendar instead of the Gregorian Calendar, which makes it land up to a month apart from Easter in other Countries. This is in accord with the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity.

products during that time. On Easter Day, however, they might indulge in roast lamb and a feast that may include many other types of meat and other dishes. Many families have a reunion on Easter Sunday and may also exchange special greetings and small gifts.

The Easter Mass, however, is the high point of the celebration. It begins around midnight on the night before Easter. Everyone carries a candle which is lit during the service, signifying Jesus as the Light of the World.

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