Ethiopia is celebrating the start of its new year - 2018, which differs from the Gregorian calendar as the country follows its own unique calendar, remaining seven years behind.
The recent festivities, known as Enkutatash, are filled with cultural significance and joy. Vendors across Addis Ababa display yellow adey ababa flowers, symbolizing the celebration, selling small bunches for about 50 Ethiopian birr (roughly $0.35).
The discrepancy in years stems from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's historical calculation of the birth year of Jesus Christ, which diverged from the Catholic Church's adjustments in 500 AD.
Enkutatash is largely a time of celebration, independently of religious ties, with markets bustling as people prepare for holiday feasts. Vendors from rural areas come to the city to sell grass and flowers essential for traditional coffee ceremonies, which are a meaningful part of the festivities.
The joyous atmosphere continues through the New Year, where families gather for lavish meals. Chickens and sheep are popular choices for feasting, often culminating in a celebratory atmosphere both at home and in public venues where live music and performances fill the streets.
As the celebrations unfold, a sense of unity and renewed spirit is palpable among the people, symbolized both by the cultural traditions and recent advancements highlighted by national projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
These celebrations not only mark the new year but also embody the essence of Ethiopian culture, uniting people in joy, tradition, and the shared hope for the future.
