There are 13 public holidays in Ethiopia in 2023, four of which fall on weekends.
Orthodox Christmas Day
Orthodox Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends. It is celebrated on January 7, 2023.
Timkat
Timkat is the celebration of Epiphany in Ethiopia and celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Christianity is Ethiopia's largest religion, making up about 63% of the population. It falls on January 19, 2023.
Adwa Victory Day
Adwa Victory Day, observed on March 2, 2023, celebrates the Ethiopian victory over the Kingdom of Italy in the Battle of Adwa, the climactic battle of the First Italo-Ethiopian War. The battle was fought on March 1, 1896, near the town of Adwa between Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Italy.
Orthodox Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 14, 2023.
Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter is an important Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a public holiday in many countries. In 2023, Good Friday is celebrated on April 16, 2023
Eid al-Fitr
Muslims worldwide celebrate this religious holiday, celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday falls on April 22, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Patriots' Victory Day
Patriots' Victory Day, observed on May 5, 2023, is a public holiday in Ethiopia. The holiday commemorates the Ethiopian Patriots against the invading Italian forces, ending the Fascist aggression in the country.
Derg Downfall Day
Derg Downfall Day is a public holiday in Ethiopia, observed on May 28, 2023. The holiday commemorates the end of the Provisional Military Government of Ethiopia that ruled the country from 1974 to 1991.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday falls on June 29, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Enkutatash
Enkutatash, or Geez New Year, is a public holiday in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is observed on Meskerem 1 on the Ethiopian calendar, September 12, 2023.
The Prophet's Birthday
The holiday, observed on September 27, 2023, commemorates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca and was a deeply spiritual man who meditated.
Meskel
Meskel is an important religious holiday commemorating the True Cross discovery by Saint Empress Helena in the fourth century. It falls on September 28, 2023.
The following is the list of public holidays in Ethiopia 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodox Christmas Day | Jan 07, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Timkat | Jan 19, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Adwa Victory Day | Mar 02, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 14, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Orthodox Easter | Apr 16, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Patriots' Victory Day | May 05, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Derg Downfall Day | May 28, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 29, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Enkutatash | Sep 12, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| The Prophet's Birthday | Sep 27, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Meskel | Sep 28, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
Please also see the working days in Ethiopia in 2023.
