The People and Culture of ETHIOPIA

With over 80 different peoples, the cultures of our communities are prominent in our lifestyle. With traditions going back to the days of Axum, and a stron religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in our daily lives. Our greatest festival is Timket (Epiphany), where tourists are welcome to celebrate with us. But other festivals such as Enkutatash (the Ethiopian New Year, in September after the rains). Maskal, Gena (Christmas), Id and Easter are all glorious celebrations. In every region you will discover local festivals and ceremonies where you will be welcomed as an honoured guest. Remember, when checking any dates, that Ethiopia still retains the Julian calendar, and we are unique in having thirteen months. Our traditional calendar remains almost eight years behind the Gregorian calendar of the West.

The country’s population includes Semitic, Cushitic (Hamitic), Omotic and Niotic peoples, and a veritable melting pot of ancient Middle Eastern and African cultures. The population comprises more than 80 nationalities speaking about 83 languages and several dialects. The ethnic groups of Oromo, Amhara, Tigre and Sidama are the largest in that order.