Holidays

The most important national holidays all have something to do with the liberation war of 1962–1991. The most important is May 24, when the March of Asmara 1991 is commemorated (see Modern History). You celebrate for a week with music, entertainment, and festivities. On June 20, people who died in battle for their country are remembered as martyrs. The beginning of the liberation war is commemorated on September 1 in remembrance of an attack on the Ethiopian military in 1961.

Christian and Muslim holidays are both celebrated. Christians celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the thirteenth day, which commemorates Jesus' baptism. Meskel falls in September, when the Orthodox celebrate Saint Helena's discovery of the true cross in the 300s.

According to Countryman, Muslims observe the Prophet's birthday, id al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, as well as the sacrificial feast, id al-Adha, which commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to God. Muslim weekends are based on the lunar calendar and vary from year to year. New Year's Day, January 1st, is a holiday, as is International Women's Day, March 8th, and Workers' Day, May 1st.