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Year-round
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year / St. John the Baptist Day)
Also called: ዓዲ, Kiddus Yohannes, September 11
September 11 (fixed)
Ethiopian Orthodox
The Ethiopian New Year falls at the end of the long rainy season, when the highlands burst into color with golden Meskel daisies. "Enkutatash" means "gift of jewels," evoking the story of the Queen of Sheba returning from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem and being welcomed back with jewels by her chiefs.
The day also commemorates St. It usually falls on or around September 11 (fixed).
It is especially important in Ethiopian Orthodox traditions. Explore mission trips — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- national feast
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- Ethiopia
- Themes
- Saints & Martyrs, Creation
- Liturgical colour
- N/A
Common questions
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year is observed on September 11 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
The Ethiopian New Year falls at the end of the long rainy season, when the highlands burst into color with golden Meskel daisies. "Enkutatash" means "gift of jewels," evoking the story of the Queen of Sheba returning from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem and being welcomed back with jewels by her chiefs. The day also commemorates St. John the Baptist (Kiddus Yohannes). Children dress in new clot
It is associated with Ethiopian Orthodox. It falls in the Year-round season of the liturgical year.
