Ethiopia

Ethiopia : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's public holidays reflect its rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and significant historical events. Celebrations often include religious ceremonies, feasts, family gatherings, and national commemorations that highlight the country's unique traditions and history.

• Christmas Day
  Celebrated on January 7th according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar, Christmas (Genna) commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ with church services, feasting, and social gatherings. It is a deeply religious holiday marked by fasting before the day.

• Epiphany Day
  Observed on January 19th, known locally as Timkat, this holiday celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Festivities include vibrant processions, water blessings, and traditional music and dance.

• Adwa Victory Day
  Celebrated on March 2nd, this day honors Ethiopia's victory over Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. It symbolizes national pride and independence, marked by ceremonies, speeches, and patriotic events.

• Eid al-Fitr (estimated)
  This Islamic holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. The date varies based on lunar sightings. Celebrations include communal prayers, feasting, and giving charity.

• Good Friday
  Observed by Christians, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Services are solemn, often including prayers and reflections on sacrifice.

• Easter Sunday
  Celebrated with joy to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it involves church services, joyous meals, and family gatherings. The date varies each year.

• Workers' Day
  Held on May 1st, this day honors the contributions of workers with parades, speeches, and various community events advocating for labor rights.

• Patriots' Day
  This holiday commemorates those who fought in Ethiopia’s resistance movements. It features remembrance ceremonies and tributes to national heroes.

• Downfall of Dergue Regime Day
  Marked on May 28th, it commemorates the fall of the Derg military regime in 1991. The day includes official ceremonies and reflections on freedom and peace.

• Eid al-Adha (estimated)
  An important Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. Celebrated with prayers, animal sacrifices, feasting, and charity. The date is based on the lunar calendar.

• Prophet's Birthday (estimated)
  Observed by Muslims to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It includes special prayers, sermons, and charitable deeds.

• Ethiopian New Year
  Known as Enkutatash, celebrated on September 11th (or 12th in a leap year), it marks the start of the Ethiopian calendar year. Celebrations include church services, family gatherings, and the giving of gifts.

• Finding of True Cross
  Observed on September 27th, this Orthodox Christian holiday commemorates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It involves church services and rituals.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Ethiopia Official Portal