2024 Public Holidays in Ethiopia

Public Holidays in Ethiopia in 2024

Introduction

Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa, observes numerous public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the nation’s diverse cultural heritage, religious traditions, and historical events. In 2024, Ethiopia will celebrate a variety of holidays, each with its own significance and customs.

National Holidays

New Year’s Day (Enkutatash) – September 11th

New Year’s Day in Ethiopia, known as Enkutatash, follows the Julian calendar and falls on September 11th (or September 12th in leap years). It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is one of the most important holidays in the country. Ethiopians mark the occasion with colorful processions, traditional music and dance, feasting, and exchanging gifts. It is a time for renewal, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.

Christmas (Genna) – January 7th

Christmas, known as Genna in Ethiopia, is celebrated on January 7th according to the Julian calendar (which corresponds to December 25th in the Gregorian calendar). It is a major religious holiday for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, who comprise the majority of the population. Genna is celebrated with church services, fasting, and traditional rituals, followed by feasting and festivities. Ethiopians participate in special prayers and processions, as well as unique customs such as the game of Genna, which involves stick fighting.

Epiphany (Timkat) – January 19th

Epiphany, known as Timkat in Ethiopia, is celebrated on January 19th (or January 20th in leap years) and commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. It is one of the most significant religious festivals for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Timkat is celebrated with colorful processions, elaborate ceremonies, and reenactments of the baptismal ritual. Ethiopians dress in traditional attire, carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, and participate in lively singing and dancing.

Adwa Victory Day – March 2nd

Adwa Victory Day commemorates Ethiopia’s victory over Italian forces in the Battle of Adwa on March 1-2, 1896. It is a national holiday that celebrates Ethiopia’s triumph and resilience in defending its sovereignty and independence. The day is marked with official ceremonies, speeches, parades, and cultural events across the country. It is a time to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the Ethiopian soldiers who fought in the historic battle.

International Women’s Day – March 8th

International Women’s Day is observed worldwide to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In Ethiopia, it is a public holiday that is celebrated with various events, including rallies, marches, conferences, and cultural performances. It is also a time to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, and to highlight the contributions of women to Ethiopian society.

Patriots’ Victory Day – May 5th

Patriots’ Victory Day commemorates the defeat of the Derg regime by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) on May 5, 1991. It is a day to honor the sacrifices made by the patriots who fought for democracy, freedom, and human rights in Ethiopia. The holiday is marked with official ceremonies, speeches, parades, and cultural events. It is a time to reflect on Ethiopia’s journey towards democracy and to celebrate the achievements of the patriots.

Table of Public Holidays and Days Off