Celebrate Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa | Rooftop Party at Ras Amba Hotel

Every September, Ethiopia bursts into color, joy, and music as the country celebrates Enkutatash , the Ethiopian New Year. For visitors staying at Ras Amba Hotel in Addis Ababa, it’s one of the most magical times to experience Ethiopia’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes.

The Origin of Enkutatash

Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels” in Amharic, marks the first day of the Ethiopian month of Meskerem falling on September 11th (or 12th in a leap year) in the Gregorian calendar. The holiday has its roots in both ancient and Christian traditions:

• Ancient Significance: Historically, it is believed to have begun over 3,000 years ago during the reign of Queen of Sheba. According to legend, when she returned from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her back with enku (jewels) to celebrate her journey and the start of the new year.

• Christian Tradition: In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Enkutatash also celebrates the end of the rainy season and the Feast of St. John the Baptist, symbolizing renewal and hope.

Why Ethiopia’s Calendar is Unique

Ethiopia follows its own calendar, which is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. That’s why while much of the world celebrated 2025, Ethiopia welcomed 2018 this September. This uniqueness makes celebrating Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience for international travelers.

The Symbolism of the Yellow Adey Abeba Flower

One of the most beautiful sights during Enkutatash is the blooming of the Adey Abeba—a bright yellow daisy-like flower that grows only during this time of year in Ethiopia. It symbolizes:

• Hope and Renewal: The bright yellow color represents the sun, new beginnings, and the promise of a fresh year.

• Prosperity: Traditionally, offering Adey Abeba flowers is believed to bring blessings and abundance.

• Unity and Joy: The flower blossoms at the end of the rainy season, signaling brighter days ahead and bringing communities together in celebration.

Young girls often carry these flowers in small bouquets as they sing New Year songs, spreading joy and blessings across neighborhoods.

How Enkutatash is Celebrated

Across Ethiopia, the day begins with church services, followed by family gatherings, feasts, and music. Streets and homes are decorated with yellow Adey Abeba flowers, symbolizing hope and prosperity. Young girls, dressed in traditional Habesha kemis, sing New Year songs door-to-door, offering blessings in return for small gifts.

In Addis Ababa, visitors can enjoy:

• Meskel Square celebrations with live music and cultural performances.

• Colorful markets selling seasonal flowers, fresh coffee, and holiday foods.

• Traditional Ethiopian meals featuring injera, doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and tej (honey wine).

Celebrate Ethiopian New Year at Ras Amba Hotel

This festive season, Ras Amba Hotel invites you to experience Enkutatash in style. With our rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa, it’s the perfect place to spend your pre-New Year’s Eve. Join us for an unforgettable night with:

• Live DJ to keep the music going until midnight

• Delicious barbecue dinner freshly prepared on-site

• Breathtaking city skyline views

• Front-row seats to Addis Ababa’s spectacular New Year fireworks

Our rooftop celebration brings together locals and travelers for a warm, vibrant, and memorable Ethiopian New Year’s Eve experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Experience Enkutatash Like a Local

Whether you’re here for business or leisure, staying in Addis Ababa during Ethiopian New Year is a chance to immerse yourself in a unique cultural tradition. Book your stay at Ras Amba Hotel and welcome the New Year with delicious food, great music, and the sparkling lights of Addis Ababa all around you.

---

RAH Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa

Q: What is Enkutatash?

A: Enkutatash is the Ethiopian New Year, celebrated on September 11th (or 12th in a leap year). The name means “gift of jewels” and marks the end of the rainy season and the start of a fresh year in the Ethiopian calendar.

Q: Why is the Ethiopian calendar different?

A: Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, which is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar used worldwide. This means Ethiopia celebrated the year 2018 in September 2025.

Q: How do Ethiopians celebrate the New Year?

A: Celebrations include church services, family gatherings, traditional meals, music, dancing, and the symbolic exchange of yellow Adey Abeba flowers. In Addis Ababa, fireworks and cultural events light up the city.

Q: Where is the best place to celebrate Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa?

A: Ras Amba Hotel offers one of the best celebrations with a panoramic rooftop view, barbecue dinner, live DJ, and front-row seats to the fireworks over Addis Ababa.

Q: What food is served during Enkutatash?

A: Traditional dishes include injera with doro wat (spicy chicken stew), tibs (sautéed meat), kitfo (minced beef), and tej (honey wine). Ras Amba Hotel also offers a special BBQ menu for the occasion.