ADDIS MAYA, Addis Ababa (2026)

10/09/2022

🌼HAPPY NEW YEAR 🌼መልካም አዲስ ዐመት🌼2013🌼
The Ethiopian calendar is 7 or 8 years behind the Gregorian Calendar western calendar, commonly used in the world.

There is also a 276-years difference between the Ethiopic and Coptic or Egyptian calendar, which are originally related.

According to the Ethiopian calendar, a year has 365 days, 6 hours, 2 minutes, and 24 seconds. Once every 4 years, the 6: 24 adds up and becomes the sixth day creating leap year.

Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, 12 of which have 30 days, and Pagume, the 13th month. The name comes from the Greek word epagomene, which means ‘days forgotten when a year is calculated’, which has five days, and six days in a leap year.

The fourth day of this month is believed to be a blessed day in the Ethiopian Orthodox religion and the rain that falls that day is taken as holy water.

The day that comes right after the 13th month is Enkutatash. Ethiopia’s New Year

“Enkutatash” translates to “Gift of Jewels” the name origin dates back to when the Queen of Sheba returned from her journey visit King Solomon in Jerusalem. She was welcomed with a supply of “enku” (jewels) for her treasury.

Ethiopian New Year occurs on September 11th in the Gregorian Calendar on September 12th on a leap year, which marks the start of Ethiopian spring.
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10/08/2022

አዲስ አበባ: Addis Abeba

The capital of Ethiopia, is located in the highlands next to the Great Rift Valley.

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19/01/2022

Timkat festival

Timkat (ጥምቀት) directly translated to Baptism is the Orthodox Tewahedo celebration of Epiphany. It is celebrated twelve days after Genna (Orthodox Christmas).

Ketera, the eve of Timkat
Tabot a model of the Ark of the Covenant, which is present on every Ethiopian altar is reverently wrapped in rich cloth and borne in procession on the head of the priest, are taken out from big church around the city and meet in a selected location.

The famous location being in Gonder - Fasiladas’ Bath and Addis Ababa-Jal meda. Tabot represents the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah when he came to the Jordan for baptism.

Timkat: The Divine Liturgy is celebrated near a stream or pool early in the morning. Sprinkled or immerse in water which is blessed by the Archbishop with his Holy cross, as a symbolical sign of renewing their baptismal vows.

End of the festival: The Tabots ( the holy ark) is escorted back to its churches in colorful procession and festivities. The clergy, bearing robes and umbrellas of many hues, perform rollicking dances and songs. When the holy ark has been safely restored to its dwelling-place, everyone goes home for feasting.

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25/02/2021

Erta Ale (or Ertale or Irta'ale; Amharic: ኤርታሌ) Known by the Afar as the “smoking mountain” and “the gateway to hell. is an active basaltic volcano containing multiple active pit craters in the summit and southeastern caldera. Volcanism has been characterized by lava flows and large lava flow fields since 2017.

It is one of the driest, lowest, and hottest places on earth. Located in the Danakil Depression (or Afar Depression)13.6°N / 40.66°E in (NE Ethiopia) which is centered over the East African Rift system.

There are only a handful of continuously active volcanos in the world, and Erta Ale is a member of an even more exclusive group: volcanos with lava lakes. Erta Ale often has two active lava lakes-making it a unique site

Erta Ale was discovered in 1906, 613m (2,011 ft) high, the volcano has a base with a diameter of nearly 30km, making it the longest existing lava lake. The summit caldera contains two large steep-sided pit craters, the N and S (or "central") pit craters.

Temperatures during the year range from 77°F to 118°F (25°C to 47.78°C). The area is beset by drought, bereft of trees, and has little in the way of roads.

The volcano itself has erupted in 1873, 1903, 1940, 1960, 1967, and 2005.. In 2007 lava flows once again.

The lake goes through cycles and will cool, form a black layer on top, and then suddenly convect back into liquid lava. Occasionally, due to pressure, “fountains” of lava will form, spewing lava in 6- to 13-foot-high plumes.

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10/02/2021

Ethiopian languages

Ethiopians are ethnically diverse, with the most important differences on the basis of linguistic categorization.

Ethiopia is a mosaic of about 100 languages that can be classified into four groups.

The vast majority of languages belong to the Semitic, Cush*tic, or Omotic groups, all part of the Afro-Asiatic language family. A small number of languages belong to a fourth group, Nilotic, which is part of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

The Semitic languages are spoken primarily in the northern and central parts of the country; they include Geʿez, Tigrinya, Amharic, Gurage, and Hareri. Geʿez, the ancient language of the Aksumite empire, is used today only for religious writings and worship in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The most prominent Cush*tic languages are Oromo, Somali, and Afar. Oromo is native to the western, southwestern, southern, and eastern areas of the country. Somali is dominant among inhabitants of the Ogaden and Hawd, while Afar is most common in the Denakil Plain.

Under the constitution, all Ethiopian languages enjoy official state recognition. However, Amharic is the “working language” of the federal government; together with Oromo, it is one of the two most widely spoken languages in the country.

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10/02/2021

Ethiopian languages

Ethiopians are ethnically diverse, with the most important differences on the basis of linguistic categorization.

Ethiopia is a mosaic of about 100 languages that can be classified into four groups.

The vast majority of languages belong to the Semitic, Cush*tic, or Omotic groups, all part of the Afro-Asiatic language family. A small number of languages belong to a fourth group, Nilotic, which is part of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

The Semitic languages are spoken primarily in the northern and central parts of the country; they include Geʿez, Tigrinya, Amharic, Gurage, and Hareri. Geʿez, the ancient language of the Aksumite empire, is used today only for religious writings and worship in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The most prominent Cush*tic languages are Oromo, Somali, and Afar. Oromo is native to the western, southwestern, southern, and eastern areas of the country. Somali is dominant among inhabitants of the Ogaden and Hawd, while Afar is most common in the Denakil Plain.

Under the constitution, all Ethiopian languages enjoy official state recognition. However, Amharic is the “working language” of the federal government; together with Oromo, it is one of the two most widely spoken languages in the country.

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09/02/2021

Tihlo (Tigrinya: ጥሕሎ) is a dish of the historical Agame in Tigray province, which consists of dough balls of barley, covered with meat and berbere sauce. Its commonly consumed as a side dish or appetizer, especially in the Tigrayan communities.

Barley grain is completely shelled and milled. Tihlo is made with soaked roasted barley flour that is mixed to a uniform consistency. The dough is then broken into small balls and laid out around a bowl of stew. A two-pronged wooden fork used to spear a ball and dip it in the stew.

Barley flour, the main ingredient. The chili peppers used is "berbere"

Steps to prepare the tihlo

1- barley flour in a bowl
2- add room temperature water in a container (pours it bit by bit into the bowl) of barley flour until the water is equally distributed. Usually mixed by hand.
3-Rolls up pieces of the dough the size of a meatball and puts it on a large plate.
4-Then in the middle of this plate in a bowl is the stew.

Step to prepare the stew

1-Cut up half of an onion.
2-Stir the cut onions in a saucepan with vegetable oil.
3-Add about half a can of tomato paste.
4-Then add 2-3 tablespoon of chili powder/berbere
5- Add 1 cup of water.
6-Then cook for 20-30 minutes.
7- Add a quarter of tea-spoon sized salt

Use a fork to poke the Tihlo and dip it in the stew and enjoy eating it. There is a special tool to eat it with but a fork would be a reasonable substitution. The tool that we use traditionally is made of carved wood that has two poky ends.

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22/01/2021

Berbere is a classic Ethiopian hot spice blend. Authentic berbere spice would use whole spice seeds/pods, toasted, and ground. This produces maximum flavor making

Berbere to be one of the most delicious and versatile spice mixes.

Every Ethiopian cook has their own version of this blend. Berbere is a wonderful all-purpose seasoning.

Berbere is the central ingredient in of the most famous Ethiopian dishes: Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew.

Ingredient Checklist
½ cup ground dried New Mexico chiles
¼ cup paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions Checklist
Step 1
Place the ground chilies, paprika, and cayenne pepper into a bowl; stir. Add onion powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, fenugreek, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Gently whisk together until thoroughly mixed.
Step 2
Store in an airtight container, preferably glass.

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18/01/2021

10 Facts About Ethiopia’s Timket Festival

1. Timket
ጥምቀት is the Orthodox Tewahedo celebration of Jesus's baptism in the River Jordan. Date on January 19th (20th leap year), which is twelve days after Genna (Orthodox Christmas).

2. Tabot
The most significant part of the Timket is ‘Tabot’, which is a term in Amharic used to refer to the Ark of The Covenant.

On “Ketera (the eve of Timkat), Each Tabot is carried by a renowned senior priest to the spot of the celebration wrapped up with special colorful clothes prepared for the event with a colorful umbrella.

3. Baptism
On the morning of the second day, the priest blesses the water of the historic bath. This act portrays the baptism of Jesus Christ by John.

4.Jan Meda
A special open field where the main Timket celebration takes place in Addis Ababa. There are special tents majestically perched on the field for each Tabot.

5.The Shamma
Ethiopians have a special outfit to commiserate the event which is made from white cotton referred to as ‘Shamma’.

6.Harvest Season
The festival occurs after the harvest period in Ethiopia. The festival offers the farmers and other Ethiopians to take a rest from work and get to visit friends and families.

7.Cultural Dating Day
Timket is also a social event for cultural dating for youth who are trying to choose their spouses. This is done in a special ceremony where young men throw lemon on the chest of the young girls as an indication of their future partner.

8. Traditional Horse Race
People engage in horse traditional horse races. The participants wear capes from lions’ manes and hair dresses. Dress their horses' colorful brocades, velvets, and tassels.

9.Special Spiritual Reconciliation
The Timket Festival is considered a period of spiritual reconciliation and awakening by devout believers. It’s also a period of reconciliation amongst members of the society who previously had differences.

10.World Cultural Heritage
Timket was officially inscribed into the UNESCO list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2019.

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04/10/2020

Irreechaa / Irreessa- means ‘green and fresh grass’ which is symbolizes fertility and flourishing life in Oromo tradition.

The Irreecha Birra marked the end of Ganna (the rainy season) and the beginning of harvest season. Celebrated by gathering on the river banks and the shores of lakes and give thanks to Waaqaa (God) for all his bounty and pray for Nagaa (peace) and Araara (reconciliation) among humans and with God.

The Irreecha commemorates the arrival of Birraa (Spring), 1st Sunday of the last week of September or the 1st Sunday of the 1st week of October according to the Gadaa lunar calendar.

During this ritual, the worshipers carry green grass and flowers (Adey Ababa) placing them in the water to give thanks to Waaqaa for good fortune and prosperity over the coming year. The Hayyuu (elders, Wisemen) officiated by thanking God and blessing the nation as their ancestors did.

Locals dress in traditional costumes and observe Irreecha with dancing and singing, It brings people closer to each as family relationships suffer during winter rain as they can't visit each other.

There are two types of Irreecha. 1- Irreecha Malkaa (Irreecha by a river (water body) also called Irreecha Birraa (Irreecha in the spring season).
2- Irreecha Tuulluu (Irreecha on a mountain) also called Irreecha Bonaa (Irreecha in autumn, which is a dry season in Oromia)

Irrechaa is commonly celebrated in three places

1. Finfine (Addis Ababa ) celebrated at Irrecha park at Meskel Square (A day before Horra Harsedii)
2. Bishoftu (Lake Harsadi) - celebrated at Hora River (Last Sunday of September)- Main event.
3. Melka Atete (Burayu)- celebrated at the Gefersa river (The week after Horra Harsedii)
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27/09/2020

መስቀል (Meskel) The True Cross celebration, a religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox church. Held to commemorate the discovery of the Cross upon which Jesus was crucified by the Romans. “Meskel” a Ge’ez word meaning “cross.”

The most important religious holiday in Ethiopia, because it’s believed that a piece of the cross Saint Helena discovered was brought to Ethiopia, it is housed in the mountains of Amba Geshen, which itself has a cross-shaped plan.

It also coincides with the predictable end of a long and difficult season of heavy rains. The feast is celebrated on 17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar ,September 27 in the Western calendar.

At time when the rains end, a yellow daisy-like flower, also called Adey Abeba also referred to as a meskel flower, blooms all over the hills and lands in Ethiopia.

The festival symbolizes the liberation of man from sin and his entry into a relationship with God following the death of Jesus. Christian faithfuls believe the death and resurrection of Jesus form the cardinal points of their belief and thus, the discovery of the cross serves to reaffirm and strengthen their faith in their religion.

The ash which was burnt completely in Demera is used to mark a sign of the cross on the foreheads of the believers gathered to witness the event. These markings which are synonymous to the Ash Wednesday celebration, is believed to represent a mark that signifies the cancellation and forgiveness of sins following the death of Jesus on the Cross.

The main national feast is held in Meskel Square, a semi-circular stadium viewing area in Addis Ababa named after the festival.

Most people living in different parts of Ethiopia travel to their hometown to celebrate the event with their families.The famous villages for celebrating this feast is located in Gurage ጉራጌ Zone.

In this zone , the celebrations are held by lighting smaller fires on streets outside their homes, a miniature version of the one lit in the capital. Later on, they gather to enjoy Kitfo (meal of raw minced meat).

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26/09/2020

Demera -The eve of Meskel

Demera a massive stockpile of chibo (a collection of sticks ,branches and other parts of tree in a tall pyramid shape and topped with a cross of meskel flower (made from a group of adey abeba in the shape of meskel /cross)

The celebration starts in the morning with the preparation of the demera meanwhile people gather around to watch the colorfully dressed priests and deacons from churches chanting , praying and dancing , floating with biblical themes parade with kebero/drums and ornate crosses used in religious ceremonies.

As darknes begins to set in , the demera is set ablaze.The bonfire signifies the smoke that led St. Helena to the site of the True Cross.

The discovery of this revered relic within Christianity can be traced back to the fourth century when the Roman Emperor Constantine, Queen Helena received divine guidance to the location of the true cross.

According to legend, Queen Helena had a revelation in a dream, she was told to make a bonfire from which the smoke would show her where the True Cross of Jesus was buried.

She ordered the people of Jerusalem to bring wood and make a huge pile. After adding etan known as frankincense to it the bonfire was lit and the smoke rose high up to the sky and returned to the ground, exactly to the spot where the Cross had been buried.

The demera is burnt until it turns entirely into ashes.Charcoal from the remains of the fire is afterward collected and used by the faithful to mark their foreheads with the shape of a cross.

Demera, with some believing that it "marks the ultimate act in the cancellation of sins, while others hold that the direction of the smoke and the final collapse of the heap indicate the course of future events –” just as the cloud of smoke the Lord raised over the Tabernacle offered guidance to the children of Israel (Exod. 40:34–38)."
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ADDIS MAYA

10/09/2022

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25/02/2021

10/02/2021

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09/02/2021

22/01/2021

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