Discover Eritrea’s Keddus Johannes (Ge’ez New Year) on 11th September 2025, coinciding with Ethiopia’s Enkutatash. A time of renewal, joy, and tradition, this celebration marks the Ge’ez New Year with cultural rituals, feasting, and hymns symbolizing hope and fresh beginnings.
Eritrea: Keddus Johannes (Ge’ez New Year) – September 11, 2025
Keddus Johannes, also known as the Ge’ez New Year, is celebrated in Eritrea every year on September 11 (Meskerem 1 in the Ge’ez calendar). In 2025, it coincides with Ethiopia’s well-known Enkutatash festival. This day marks both a spiritual renewal and a cultural milestone filled with joy, community gatherings, and rituals dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
Keddus Johannes is more than just the first day of the New Year. It is a festival of rebirth, symbolizing the end of the rainy season and the start of new cycles of growth. Families gather to share festive meals, sing traditional hymns, and reflect on gratitude.
Significance of Keddus Johannes
- Marks the beginning of the Ge’ez New Year.
- Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist (Keddus Johannes in Ge’ez).
- Symbolizes renewal, blessings, and hope for a prosperous year.
- Coincides with Ethiopia’s Enkutatash, highlighting shared heritage.
How Eritreans Celebrate Keddus Johannes
- Religious observances: Attending mass and offering prayers.
- Cultural traditions: Singing, dancing, and wearing traditional attire.
- Family gatherings: Shared meals with dishes rich in Eritrean flavors.
- Community bonding: Neighbors share greetings of goodwill and peace.
Connection Between Keddus Johannes and Enkutatash
Though distinct in practice, Eritrea’s Keddus Johannes and Ethiopia’s Enkutatash coincide on the same date, sharing deeper cultural roots from the ancient Ge’ez calendar. Both symbolize the start of a new season filled with joy, renewal, and blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Keddus Johannes (Ge’ez New Year) celebrated in 2025?
Keddus Johannes will be celebrated on September 11, 2025, which corresponds to Meskerem 1 in the Ge’ez calendar.
What makes Keddus Johannes special in Eritrea?
It is both a New Year celebration and a religious feast dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, blending spiritual traditions with cultural festivities.
How is Keddus Johannes different from Enkutatash?
Keddus Johannes is rooted in Eritrean tradition while Enkutatash is celebrated in Ethiopia. Both fall on the same day, symbolizing renewal, but each country has unique customs.
What are common foods eaten during Keddus Johannes?
Festive meals often include traditional Eritrean dishes such as injera, tsebhi (stews), lentils, and coffee ceremonies shared among families.
