While most of the world is in 2024, Ethiopia is still in 2017. This is because Ethiopia follows the Ge’ez calendar, which is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar used by most countries.
The Ge’ez calendar has 13 months. It includes 12 months of 30 days each and an extra month called Pagumē with 5 or 6 days, depending on the year.
The Ethiopian new year starts on Meskerem 1, which matches September 11 in the Gregorian calendar.
Eshetu Getachew, the CEO of Rotate Ethiopia Tours And Travel, told CNN: “We are unique.
“We [were] never colonised. We have our own calendar. We have our own alphabet. We have our own cultural traditions.”
Moreover, the Ethiopian calendar uses an older calculation for the birth year of Jesus Christ.
The Roman Church changed its calculation in the 5th century, but the Ethiopian Orthodox Church kept the earlier date of 7 BC. This has kept Ethiopia’s calendar different for centuries.
However, Ethiopians often need to use both calendars. Ethiopian archaeologist Goitom Tekle, who is based in Germany, previously said it can be difficult.
He explained: “I still can’t switch into one. It’s quite a challenge.” He added that dealing with both systems means thinking about different dates, times and years.
Tekle also said that even applying for a birth certificate can be difficult when using two calendars.
Nonetheless, many Ethiopians, especially those who live in cities, have learned to switch between the two calendars for work and daily life.
International businesses and schools in Ethiopia often use the Gregorian calendar, which means Ethiopians need to keep track of both systems.
However, unsurprisingly many Ethiopians prefer their own calendar.
Photographer Abel Gashaw told CNN: “Ours is more logical.” He went on to explain that New Year’s Day is in September and comes after the rainy season.
“That’s like a fresh start. It’s a new beginning for us. After that, the amount of rain becomes low and everywhere you go, it’s so green,” he added.
To make life even more difficult, the Ethiopian calendar system and the Gregorian one are not the only ones in use within the country.
There are other local calendars in southern Ethiopia, used by different communities.
