Enkutatash

Enkutatash is a public holiday in Ethiopia and Eritrea that falls on the same day as the New Year. It falls on Meskerem 1 on the Ethiopian calendar, which corresponds to 11 September (or 12 September in leap years) on the Gregorian calendar.

At the end of the lengthy spring rains, when the Highlands are blanketed in wild flowers, this festival honors both the New Year and the Feast of John the Baptist. Ethiopian children, dressed in new outfits, dance their way around the villages, handing out bouquets of flowers and painted drawings to each family.

The 11th of September is both New Year's Day and St. John the Baptist's feast day. The day is known as Enkutatash, which means "gift of gems" and become one of the most famous festivals in Ethiopia. When the Queen of Sheba returned from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs greeted her with enku, or gems, to replenish her coffers. Since ancient times, the spring festival has been celebrated, and as the rains draw to an end, dancing and singing can be heard in every town across the beautiful countryside. Every house lights a bonfire in the evening, and there is a lot of singing and dancing.

Date: September 11th