Enkutatash Addis Ababa

እንቁጣጣሽ አዲስ አበባ

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Nature & SeasonAddis Ababa
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsThe holiday's specific origin story, tied to
LanguageAmharic and regional languagesCurrency: ETB
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Enkutatash Addis Ababa in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia's New Year holiday, Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1 of the Ethiopian calendar, around September 11, tied to a tradition of the Queen of Sheba's return from Jerusalem. In Addis Ababa, families attend church and share doro wat and injera, while girls in new clothes gather daisies and sing New Year songs door to door, with major public gatherings at Entoto Raguel Church.

Ethiopia begins its new year on Meskerem 1 of the Ethiopian calendar, corresponding to September 11 in most years on the Gregorian calendar, in a holiday called Enkutatash, meaning gift of jewels, tied by tradition to the biblical Queen of Sheba's return to Ethiopia from Jerusalem, when her followers are said to have welcomed her home with jewels.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The holiday's specific origin story, tied to the Queen of Sheba's legendary return from Jerusalem and the jewels her followers are said to have presented her, gives Enkutatash a documented historical-legendary foundation distinct from a generic new year celebration

02

The mystery stays covered

The door-to-door daisy-gathering custom performed specifically by young girls, tied to the seasonal blooming of Meskel daisies at the end of the rainy season, is also a specific, well-documented tradition unique to this holiday

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The door-to-door daisy-gathering custom performed by young girls and the shared doro wat and injera family meal are specific

Water and renewal

Living ritual

well-documented

The sacred route

Living ritual

defining traditions of Enkutatash

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Expect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.

What to wear

New or good-quality traditional Ethiopian dress is customary for the holiday; a light rain layer is worth carrying given September's tail-end rainy season timing.

Safety

Keep distance from unsafe water edges and follow local crowd or weather warnings.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of Addis Ababa you will actually use, or choose a transport base with an easy return after peak hours.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

ETB

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map9.02 N, 38.75 EOpen in Google Maps

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Nearest airportADD — Addis Ababa Bole
TransportExpect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.
Stay areaStay near the part of Addis Ababa you will actually use, or choose a transport base with an easy return after peak hours.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Addis Ababa via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Addis Ababa, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearNew or good-quality traditional Ethiopian dress is customary for the holiday; a light rain layer is worth carrying given September's tail-end rainy season timing.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ethiopia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Enkutatash Addis Ababa?

Enkutatash Addis Ababa is listed for September. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Enkutatash Addis Ababa take place?

The festival is listed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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