This is because the country follows the Ethiopian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used by most nations.
The Ethiopian calendar is approximately seven to eight years behind and has 13 months—12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month, known as Pagume, with five or six days depending on whether it is a leap year.
The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, is celebrated on 11 September (or 12 September in the year before a Gregorian leap year). In September 2026, Ethiopia will welcome the year 2019.
Despite using a different calendar, Ethiopia conducts international business and diplomacy with the rest of the world by also recognising the Gregorian calendar when necessary.
Ethiopia’s unique calendar is one of the country’s most distinctive cultural traditions, reflecting its rich history and heritage.
Takudzwa Karowangoro is a Zimbabwean journalist and Online News Editor at Hurumende News, where he covers national affairs, politics, business, community issues and breaking news.
He is a dedicated media professional with a passion for journalism, storytelling and keeping the public informed through accurate and timely news reporting.
In 2026, Karowangoro represented Zimbabwe and Hurumende News at the Seminar for News Officials and Journalists from the Global South in China. The programme exposed participants to developments in digital journalism, artificial intelligence, multimedia content production and modern news dissemination.
His professional interests include digital media, investigative journalism, technology, governance, business and developments shaping Zimbabwe and the wider African continent.
