Ethiopia:
A country for outdoor-oriented people where so many open-air activities can be enjoyed. Learn More

 
Nigeria:
Nigeria offers a delightful microcosm of all you might expect to see in a land which is home to every fifth African and aptly described as the Heart of Africa.Learn More

 
Morocco:
Charming Morocco of emotions, where shadow embraces everywhere light, where desert gives birth to oasis, where sky and sea meet in the same unit.Learn More 

Fabulous offers at the Sheraton Addis Hotel, from Weekend Getaways to Romance and Holiday Packages. Find out more

Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash)

Ethiopia still retains the Julian calendar, in which the year is divided into 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month of 5 days and 6 days in leap year. The Ethiopian calendar is 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar from January to September and 7 years behind between September 11 and January 8.

Enkutatash means the "gift of jewels". When the famous Queen of Sheba returned from her expensive jaunt to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her bolts by replenishing her treasury with inku or jewels. The spring festival has been celebrated since this early time and as the rains come to their abrupt end, dancing and singing can be heard at every village in the green countryside.

To view all events in Ethiopia, Morocco and Nigeria, please click here.