Ethiopians ushered in the New Year 2018, known locally as Enkutatash, with colourful celebrations on Wednesday night at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Bole, Addis Ababa.

The event, marked by music, dance, and traditional cuisine, brought together families, community leaders, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora to celebrate the first day of the year according to the Ethiopian calendar, which is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian system.

Enkutatash, which translates to “gift of jewels,” is rooted in Ethiopian tradition and coincides with the end of the rainy season, symbolising renewal and hope. The evening was filled with cultural performances and blessings for prosperity in the new year.

Organisers at the Best Western Plus said the celebrations aimed to highlight Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage while offering a space for unity and reflection.

For many attendees, the night was not only about celebration but also about resilience and optimism amid the challenges facing the country.

here are some of wishes from X: Today marks the last date of year 2017 according to the #Ethiopia|n calendar. As we celebrate the Ethiopian new year 2018, I would like to remember all the civilian martyrs that were executed because of their #Amhara identity, freedom fighter martyrs that refused to stand by and watch as innocent civilians were killed because of their Amhara identity. Families and mothers of martyrs that were left with unspeakable grief and never lasting sorrow and misery. Since it’s the day after the inauguration of the #GERD dam, we must remember Engineer Simegnew Bekele and his family who was a vital person who worked tirelessly since the start till most of the project was nearly done and was assasinated by the current Ethiopian gov’t and buried along with the Ethiopian peoples ownership of the dam. May the martyrs lives rest in power and for all the families of the lost innocent lives to get comfort. All the innocent Amhara lives to get justice and all responsible to be held accountable and face justice if not in the coming year, in the years to come. And all Amharas to stay resilient and keep the struggle going until the enemy reaches it’s breaking point. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” and the idea that “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up”read a tweet.

Happy Ethiopian 2018 New Year – Enkutatash!

joyfully extends heartfelt wishes for a year of peace, prosperity, & renewed hope to all Ethiopians & friends of Ethiopia worldwide. እንቁጣጣሽ! May this new year be filled with blessings.