Ethiopia Public Holidays
Ethiopia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Ethiopia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Ethiopia by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Ethiopia.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 7 | Wednesday | Ethiopian Christmas Day |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Epiphany / Timkat |
| Mar 2 | Monday | Adwa Victory Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Apr 10 | Friday | Ethiopian Good Friday |
| Apr 12 | Sunday | Fasika |
| May 1 | Friday | International Labor Day |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Patriots' Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Aug 26 | Wednesday | The Prophet's Birthday |
| Sep 11 | Friday | Ethiopian New Year |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | September Equinox |
| Sep 27 | Sunday | Meskel |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Ethiopia
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Ethiopia for 2026. Public holidays are official days of rest and celebration, observed nationwide. You can find definitions of public holidays on our global public holidays page. For a comprehensive list of all observed holidays in Ethiopia for a specific year, please visit the Ethiopia public holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
Ethiopia observes a variety of religious and national holidays throughout the year. Many of these are tied to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church calendar, as well as Islamic observances and national commemorations.
In addition to the holidays listed below, Ethiopia observes seasonal events like the March Equinox, June Solstice, September Equinox, and December Solstice. For a complete calendar, please refer to the Ethiopia public holidays 2026 page.
- Ethiopian Christmas Day — 7 January 2026. A significant religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
- Epiphany / Timkat — 19 January 2026. A vibrant festival commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
- Adwa Victory Day — 2 March 2026. Commemorates the decisive victory of the Ethiopian forces over the Italian invaders at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
- Fasika — 12 April 2026. The Ethiopian Orthodox Easter, a major religious observance.
- Patriots' Day — 5 May 2026. Honors the patriots who fought against the Italian occupation during World War II.
- Ethiopian New Year — 11 September 2026. Celebrates the beginning of the Ethiopian calendar year, known as Enkutatash.
- Meskel — 27 September 2026. A religious holiday commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena.
Planning around holidays
Ethiopia's public holidays are a mix of religious and national observances, often falling on fixed dates or following lunar calendars. This can create varied patterns throughout the year.
Some holidays may be observed for multiple days, especially major religious festivals. It's advisable to check specific dates for Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as their timing shifts annually based on the lunar calendar.
National holidays often involve public ceremonies and events. Businesses and public services may operate on reduced hours or close entirely on these days.
The observance of holidays can sometimes lead to increased travel within the country, so booking transportation and accommodation in advance is recommended, particularly around major festivals.
Weather patterns in Ethiopia vary significantly by region and season, so consider this when planning travel around holiday periods.
- Religious Observances: Many holidays are tied to the Ethiopian Orthodox and Islamic calendars, meaning their dates change annually.
- National Commemorations: Fixed-date holidays often involve national ceremonies and parades.
- Travel Considerations: Popular destinations may be busier around major holidays, and transportation services might be affected.
- Business Operations: Expect potential closures or reduced hours for businesses and government offices on public holidays.
Plan Your Year Around ET Holidays
View Ethiopia holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.