Ethiopia Public & National Holidays (2026)

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, commonly known as Ethiopia, is bordered by other countries such as Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan. Ethiopia has a population of 112.08 million people, and occupies a land area of 1.104 square kilometers.

Ethiopian culture is rich with many festivals and religious ceremonies. Most of the religious holidays in Ethiopia are aligned with the holidays followed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, such as the Ethiopian Good friday, Ethiopian Easter, and Ethiopian Christmas. Take note of the Ethiopia public holidays if you ever plan on travelling to Ethiopia.

Public holidays in Ethiopia consist of national and religious holidays. During public holidays, most businesses are closed and employees enjoy paid leave.

When are the public holidays in Ethiopia?

Which are the public holidays in Ethiopia?

Ethiopian Christmas
Unlike other Christians, Ethiopians celebrate their Christmas on a different date, later than most Christians do. Ethiopian Christmas is held every 7th of January, similar to Orthodox Christmas. It is usually marked with a traditional game called Gaana in Ethiopia. This game is very similar to hockey which was played by the shepherds when Jesus was born.

Orthodox Epiphany
In Ethiopia, Epiphany or the visit of the three kings, is locally known as Timket. It is celebrated on the 19th of January.

Victory of Adwa
The national holiday in Ethiopia is observed every March 2nd. The Victory of Adwa commemorates the country’s victory over Italy in 1896.

Ethiopian Good Friday
Good Friday in Orthodox Church is the last Friday before the Orthodox Easter Sunday. This is usually a time for fasting and repentance.

Labor Day
Labor Day is celebrated every 1st of May to remember the efforts of the International Labour Movement. This holiday honors workers and laborers.

Patriots’ Victory Day
A holiday commemorated in Ethiopia; Patriots’ Victory Day remembers the Ethiopian patriots who fought for the country’s independence in 1941.

Downfall of the Derg
Another national holiday in Ethiopia, the Downfall of the Derg is observed every May 28th. On Downfall Day in 1991, the Derg regime in Ethiopia came to an end.

Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr is the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is an important Muslim holiday to mark the end of the 1-month fasting period of Ramadan.

Eid Al Adha
Another important festival among Muslims, Eid Al Adha, also called variously as Eid ul Adha, Eid-ul-Azha, Id-ul-Zuha, Hari Raya Haji or Bakr-id – is the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’. It marks the sacrifice Abraham is willing to take to honor Allah.

Ethiopian New Year
September 12 is the first day of the Ethiopian calendar. The holiday is also known as Enkutatash (local Ethiopian language). The first day of the Ethiopian calendar is Meskerem.

Meskel
This holiday is a unique holiday that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena in the fourth century. This is the first major holiday of the Ethiopian calendar.

Moulid
Moulin is Celebrated by Muslims during the month of Rabiulawal. This is the third month of the Muslim calendar. It is also called Milad un Nabi – or the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.

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