As the rainy season fades and yellow Adey Abeba flowers bloom across the Ethiopian highlands, Enkutatash (እንቁጣጣሽ) brings a season of renewal, joy, and spiritual blessing.

Whether you are preparing family festivities or wondering about the history and date of the holiday, here is everything you need to know about celebrating Ethiopian New Year 2019—plus a unique way to send heartfelt wishes to those you love.

📅 When is Ethiopian New Year?

A common question ahead of the holiday season is: “When is Ethiopian New Year?” or “What day is Ethiopian New Year?”

Following the Ethiopian calendar—which features 12 months of 30 days plus a 13th month (Pagume)—the Ethiopian New Year falls on Meskerem 1 (September 11 in the Gregorian calendar). As we enter Ethiopian New Year 2019, it marks an opportunity to give thanks, reflect on faith, and embrace a fresh beginning with family and community.

✨ The Meaning Behind Enkutatash & the New Year Flower

The Ethiopian New Year celebration is steeped in cultural and spiritual heritage:

• The Adey Abeba (Ethiopian New Year Flower): Blooming exclusively in September, these bright yellow petals represent sunlight, rebirth, and hope following the long rainy season (Kiremt).
• Festive Songs & Drawings: Children traditionally visit neighboring homes singing “Abebayehosh” and handing out festive drawings to receive blessings and tokens of goodwill.
• Faith & Fellowship: Orthodox Tewahdo families attend midnight and morning church liturgies, share traditional feasts, and exchange blessings for health and prosperity.

💌 Featured Holiday Keepsake: Pop-Up Enkutatash Greeting Card

Looking for a meaningful way to send your Happy Ethiopian New Year wishes across town or across the diaspora? Agape Tewahdo Gift has created the Pop-Up Enkutatash Greeting Card to bring the spirit of the season to life.

• 3D Adey Abeba Bouquet: Opening the card unveils an intricate, freestanding 3D pop-up bouquet of golden Enkutatash flowers accented with festive holiday illustrations.
• Traditional Amharic Typography: Embellished with the holiday blessing መልካም አዲስ ዓመት for an authentic cultural touch.
• A Lasting Keepsake: Unlike standard postcards, this 3D card stands beautifully on display as tabletop or desk decor throughout the festive season.
• Thoughtful Personalization: Offers generous writing space to craft prayers, blessings, and personal messages to parents, elders, godchildren, and friends.

👉 Send a blooming blessing for the New Year:

🔗 Order the Pop-Up Enkutatash Greeting Card at Agape Tewahdo Gift

May this Ethiopian New Year 2019 (እንቁጣጣሽ) bring peace to your home, joy to your family, and abundant blessings in the year ahead.

መልካም አዲስ ዓመት! | Happy Ethiopian New Year!