Ethiopian Enkutatash in Australia

Why students may be interested

Every September 11th (or 12th in a leap year), a truly special celebration blossoms across Australia: Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year! More than just a date on a calendar, this vibrant occasion is a heartfelt gathering of family, friends, delicious food, and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, creating an atmosphere that welcomes everyone.

As the Ethiopian community in Australia continues to flourish, so too have these celebrations. They’ve become increasingly visible and bustling, fostering a powerful sense of belonging and ensuring everyone feels part of this rich and expanding cultural tapestry. In fact, SBS Amharic recently captured the spirit of one of Australia’s largest Enkutatash festivities, highlighting the beautiful cross-cultural bridges being built.

A Calendar Like No Other

Ever wondered about the Ethiopian calendar? It’s truly unique! While the Gregorian New Year rings in on January 1st, Enkutatash arrives on September 11th. As Dr. Yirga Gelaw, an Ethiopian historian at Curtin University, explains, “The Ethiopian calendar, also known as the Ge’ez calendar, has a different start date. It is about seven or eight years behind the Gregorian calendar.” This fascinating difference, where our 2025 is their 2017/2018 (depending on the day), stems from distinct historical calculations.

The Ethiopian calendar even features a 13-month system – twelve months of 30 days each, plus a final short month called Pagumē!

Enkutatash Down Under: A Feast for the Senses

The Ethiopian community in Australia embraces Enkutatash with incredible enthusiasm, sharing their rich heritage with multicultural Australia. Expect lively gatherings, exchanges of heartfelt gifts, and vibrant church celebrations complete with bountiful feasts.

At the heart of these feasts are traditional Ethiopian culinary delights:

For adults, traditional beverages like Tela (a local beer) and Tej (a honey-based wine offering a delightful, heady pleasure) are often enjoyed.

It’s a beautiful tradition for the Ethiopian diaspora to invite their Australian guests to partake in this hospitality, fostering deep cultural connections. Community elder Eshetu Mulugeta and his Serbian wife, Jasmina, exemplify this spirit, welcoming neighbours to their home after attending the local Ethiopian Orthodox Church. “We dress traditionally, and after Mass, our Australian neighbours join us for a feast and celebration,” Eshetu shares.

A Growing Community, A Shared Future

The Ethiopian-Australian community has grown remarkably, from just three individuals before 1951 to over 14,000 according to the 2021 Census. A significant portion, 68.2%, are Australian citizens, with the largest cohort residing in Greater Melbourne’s vibrant western suburbs.

Community events like the annual festival in Footscray are a testament to this growth, often attended by figures like the Mayor of Maribyrnong City Council, building bridges between cultures.

Over the years, Australian political leaders, including former Prime Ministers Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, and current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as well as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, have extended their warm wishes, recognizing the Ethiopian community’s invaluable contributions to Australia’s diverse landscape. As Julia Gillard once noted, “Our multicultural success is no accident. The New Year signifies diversity that strengthens us as a nation.”

Come and experience the warmth, the flavour, and the profound sense of community that is Enkutatash! Don’t forget to use our calculator to discover your Ethiopian age and feel a little younger!