Ethiopia is a very diverse and exciting country with a long history and culture. The people of Ethiopia celebrate many different holidays throughout the year. Every holiday has its special traditions and meaning.
From religious festivals like Orthodox Christmas and Timkat to national celebrations like Adwa Victory Day and Patriots’ Victory Day, these holidays bring communities together, remember important events, and show the deep values of the Ethiopian people.
In this blog, we will discuss the public holidays in Ethiopia in 2025. We will also explain where they come from and the customs around them.
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Public Holidays In Ethiopia In 2025
In 2025, people will have 12 public holidays in Ethiopia, with four of them occurring on weekends. The list of the public holidays in Ethiopia in 2025 is provided below.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| Orthodox Christmas Day | Jan 07, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Timkat | Jan 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Adwa Victory Day | Mar 02, 2025 | Sunday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Orthodox Easter | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Patriots’ Victory Day | May 05, 2025 | Monday |
| Derg Downfall Day | May 28, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |
| Enkutatash | Sep 11, 2025 | Thursday |
| Meskel | Sep 27, 2025 | Saturday |
Orthodox Christmas Day
Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia celebrate Christmas on January 7th. This day observes the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time of great joy and celebration. Families gather to share a special feast, and children receive gifts. Also, Christmas Day is a time to share.
People give gifts and cards to their families and friends. Religious services, traditional dances, and the ringing of church bells serve the day. It is a time to reflect on the meaning of the holiday and to strengthen family and community bonds.
Timkat
Timkat is the Christian holiday and celebration of Epiphany in Ethiopia. The holiday celebrates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. Christianity is the biggest religion in Ethiopia, with almost 63% of the population following it. Timkat happens on January 20, 2025.
Timkat is one of the most exciting and colorful festivals in Ethiopia. The celebrations include parades with copies of the Ark of the Covenant. Also, ceremonial baths in rivers or pools, and people renewing their baptism promises.
Adwa Victory Day
Adwa Victory Day, celebrated on March 2nd, commemorates the victory of the Ethiopian army over the invading Italian forces in the Adwa Battle in 1896.
This decisive victory was a significant moment in African history. It prevented the colonization of Ethiopia and inspired many other African nations in their struggles for independence.
The day is marked by parades, speeches, and cultural performances that celebrate Ethiopia’s rich history and its people’s resilience.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim public holiday that observes the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of celebration, reflection, and giving back to the community. Families gather to pray, share meals, and exchange gifts.
Children receive new clothes and sweets, and the day is filled with joy and togetherness. The day is a reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity, and community in the Islamic faith.
Orthodox Good Friday
Orthodox Good Friday is a solemn day of remembrance and reflection for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. It observes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by fasting, prayer, and religious services.
The faithful gather in churches to mourn the death of Jesus and to reflect on the significance of his sacrifice. The day is a time of deep spiritual reflection and a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and redemption.
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Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter, or Fasika, is the most important religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. It observes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a time of great joy and celebration.
Families gather for special feasts, traditional dances, and vibrant processions, and the ringing of church bells marks the day. It’s a time to reflect on the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal life.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a public holiday in Ethiopia that recognizes workers’ contributions to the country’s development. It celebrates workers’ rights and achievements and advocates for fair labor practices.
The day is marked by parades, speeches, and cultural performances that highlight the critical role of the labor force in building a prosperous and fair society.
Patriots’ Victory Day
Patriots’ Victory Day, celebrated on May 5th, commemorates the victory of the Ethiopian patriots over the Italian occupation forces in 1941. It honors the courage and resilience of the Ethiopian people who fought for their country’s independence.
The day is marked by parades, military displays, and cultural performances that celebrate the patriots’ heroic actions and the enduring spirit of the Ethiopian nation.
Derg Downfall Day
Derg Downfall Day, celebrated on May 28th, marks the end of the Derg regime, a military council that ruled the Ethiopia nation from 1974 to 1987.
The day celebrates the people’s triumph over a repressive and authoritarian government. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for democracy and renew the commitment to building a fairer society.
Eid al-Adha
The day is an essential Muslim public holiday that observes the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Prayers mark the day of animal slaughter and meat distribution to the less fortunate. It is a time to reflect on the values of sacrifice, generosity, and compassion that are central to the Islamic faith.
The Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, or Mawlid, is a Muslim holiday that observes the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s a time to reflect on the Prophet’s life and teachings and rededicate oneself to the principles of Islam.
The day is marked by religious services, Quran recitations, and gatherings where the Prophet’s life and legacy are discussed and celebrated.
Enkutatash
Enkutatash is the Ethiopian New Year, celebrated on September 11th (or September 12th in leap years). It’s a time of renewal and celebration marked by feasting, gift-giving, and the adorning of homes with yellow daisies, Ethiopia’s national flower.
The day reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of welcoming new beginnings and opportunities.
Meskel
Meskel is a religious holiday celebrated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church that commemorates the discovery of the true cross on which Jesus was crucified.
The day is marked by the burning of a large bonfire, known as the Demera, which is believed to symbolize the cross.
The festival is a celebration of community, faith, and the enduring power of the Christian tradition in Ethiopia.
It is all about the traditions and the special meanings of the public holidays in Ethiopia in 2025. I hope you liked this post. For more information, visit the worldholidaylist.com website.