Meskerem 1 · መስከረም ፩

መልካም አዲስ ዓመትMelkam Addis Amet

The Ethiopian New Year — Enkutatash — ushers in the year 2019. As the rains clear and the highlands bloom gold with Adey Abeba, a new dawn begins.

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Friday, September 11, 2026 · Addis Ababa time

🗓️ Add to CalendarLearn about Enkutatash
A bouquet of bright yellow Adey Abeba daisies, the flower of the Ethiopian New Year
አደይ አበባAdey Abeba

What is Enkutatash?

A gift of jewels, a fresh beginning.

Enkutatash — meaning “gift of jewels” — falls on Meskerem 1, the first day of the Ethiopian calendar. It marks the end of the long rainy season, when the sun returns and the meadows of Ethiopia turn brilliant yellow with blooming Adey Abeba daisies.

Children carry these flowers door to door, singing Abebayehosh, while families gather over the coffee ceremony and a feast of doro wat and injera. It is a season of renewal, gratitude, and hope.

ሰንደቅ ዓላማ · The flag

Colors of a new dawn

Green for the land and its promise, yellow for hope and harmony, red for the sacrifice that won tomorrow — and at the heart, the star of unity radiating light for all the peoples of Ethiopia.

Ye Gena Bealat · The celebration

Traditions of the New Year

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Adey Abeba

Golden meskel daisies blanket the highlands and fill every home — the living symbol of the new year.

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Buna Ceremony

Green beans roasted, ground, and brewed three rounds — the heart of Ethiopian hospitality and togetherness.

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Abebayehosh

Children sing from door to door, offering flowers and hand-painted greetings in exchange for blessings.

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The Feast

Families gather over doro wat, injera, and honey wine to share gratitude for the year ahead.