Ethiopia is marking its New Year with a powerful sense of national pride and a renewed commitment to progress. The celebration, known as Enkutatash, falls on September 11 on the Gregorian calendar and symbolizes fresh beginnings.

More than just the change of seasons, Enkutatash carries deep cultural meaning. The name translates to “gift of jewels,” a tradition believed to have originated from the legend of King Solomon presenting jewelry to the Queen of Sheba during her visit to Jerusalem.

Ethiopia follows a unique 13-month calendar, trailing the Western calendar by seven years and eight months. Unlike the 12-month systems used elsewhere, the Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, with each of the first 12 months having 30 days and the final month, Pagume, having five or six days depending on a leap year. This year, the Pagume season was marked by national celebrations that blended cultural heritage with reflections on progress and renewal.

At a colorful celebration held at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Nairobi, Ethiopia’s Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Demeke Ambulo, underscored Enkutatash as a moment of reflection, renewal, and unity. He emphasized that the New Year provides an opportunity for Ethiopians both at home and in the diaspora to recommit to values of perseverance, diversity, and shared progress. Amb. Ambulo hailed Ethiopia’s resilience, noting that the country’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve great milestones is a testament to the strength and determination of its people.

Among Ethiopia’s landmark achievements, the completion and inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stand out as a defining national triumph. Described as a “generational victory,” the dam was largely funded by ordinary Ethiopians who contributed tirelessly to its realization. Widely compared to the historic Victory of Adwa, the GERD demonstrates what is possible when a nation unites for a common purpose, proving that Ethiopia and Africa are capable of achieving what was once thought impossible.

The Nairobi event drew a vibrant turnout from Ethiopians living in Kenya, who joined embassy officials in marking the New Year with music, cultural performances, and a shared spirit of pride. For the diaspora community, the celebration served not only as a connection to their heritage but also as a reaffirmation of their role in Ethiopia’s ongoing development journey.

To foster unity, the government organized a series of themed celebrations during the five-day Pagume period leading into the New Year. The Day of Perseverance honored sacrifices made in defense of sovereignty and dignity. Hiber Day celebrated Ethiopia’s cultural diversity as its greatest treasure.

The Day of Achievement recognized progress in agriculture, industry, mining, and finance, with revenues reaching unprecedented levels and exports diversifying beyond coffee. The Day of Regeneration showcased Ethiopia’s renewal, highlighted by transformative projects such as the GERD, the Green Legacy Initiative, and strategic Corridor Development.

This year’s celebrations underscored Ethiopia’s collective journey of resilience and renewal, aligning personal aspirations with national goals. As Ambassador Demeke Ambulo reminded participants at the Nairobi embassy, Enkutatash is not just the dawn of a new year, but a call to unity, pride, and progress. Ethiopia enters this New Year with confidence, strengthened by its heritage and inspired by the promise of a brighter future.

Facebook Comments Box