Adventures in Ethiopia believes that the best way to really be part of Ethiopian culture is through its many festivals and religious ceremonies. These events can be visited in conjunction with other sites around the country. To this end, we can provid major of holidays integrate into any one of our package tours.
The major religious events in Ethiopia are mostly linked to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, whose history goes back to the 3rd Century. Due to a strong faith, celebrations and festivals play an important part in daily life. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church ceremonies are unique and impressive, especially Timket, Genna and Meskel. During these festivals, which are celebrated across the country, religious followers and priests dress in traditional garb, and large amounts of food and drink are almost always consumed. 
    Other holidays include Enkutatash (New Year) and Fasika (Easter). The Islamic Islamic tradition also celebrates religious festivals in the Ethiopian calendar, notably, Muharram, Milad-an-Nabi and Eid-ul-Fitr.

          Time and Data

    Ethiopia uses its own calendar which divides the year into 12 months of 30 days each, with the remaining five (or six days in a long year) constituting a short 13th month of Pagme. The Ethiopian New Year commences on the 11th or 12th of September in the Gregorian calendar. There is a 7 or 8 year difference from the Gregorian calendar, seven years from September to January 1, and eight years from January 1 until September 11/12.

    The lockal time – many Ethiopians use a different method of keeping time with Sunrise being 12 in the morning and sunset at 12 in the evening. Times are expressed as being “3 in the morning” (approximately 9am GMT+3) or “6 in the evening” (approximately 12am GMT+3). If you are visiting Ethiopia for a meeting or an event it can be important to confirm times to avoid confusion.