Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash - እንቁጣጣሽ) 2018
About
The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash (እንቁጣጣሽ), is a vibrant celebration observed in Ethiopia. Enkutatash occurs on Meskerem 1 in the Ethiopian calendar, which corresponds to September 11 (or September 12 during a leap year) in the Gregorian calendar.According to Ethiopian tradition, on this day, the Queen of Sheba (known as Makeda in Ethiopian lore) returned to Ethiopia from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. Her followers celebrated her homecoming by giving her jewels, hence the name “Enkutatash" (እንቁጣጣሽ), which means the “gift of jewels”.
Families gather to share a traditional meal of injera (flatbread) and wat (sauce). Young girls don new clothes, gather daisies, and present friends with bouquets while singing New Year’s songs.
Enkutatash marks the approximate end of the long rainy season and the beginning of sunny days and warmer weather. It symbolizes renewal, hope, and the start of a new agricultural cycle.
Date
Saturday 20 September 2025 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (UTC+10)Location
Kensington Town Hall
30-34 Bellair Street, Kensington VIC 3031
Contact Form
Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash - እንቁጣጣሽ) 2018
Resend recently purchased tickets to our events to your email.
Enter email to start search
You can review the event organiser's terms and conditions here.