In just three days, on Wednesday, the 11th of September, Eritreans will come together to commemorate the annual Geez New Year celebration in Asmara. This significant event, observed nationwide on the same date each year, holds deep cultural and religious importance for the Eritrean people.
On Geez New Year, churches of all sects will host gatherings and conduct special liturgies in Asmara and across the country. A unique tradition during this celebration involves Eritreans lighting candles and walking three times over them in reverence to the Holy Trinity. Additionally, families gather to share in the joy of the occasion, lighting wood fires to prepare and enjoy delicious meals together.
Following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, the country transitioned from using the Geez calendar to adopting the Gregorian calendar for official purposes. However, cultural and religious festivities such as Christmas, Easter, and the Geez New Year continue to be observed according to the Geez calendar. The Geez calendar, believed to have its roots in the Coptic Egyptian calendar, is shared among various Orthodox Churches, including the Egyptian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the Eritrean Orthodox Church, highlighting its widespread influence in the region.
The Geez New Year celebration serves not only as a time to mark the beginning of a new year but also as an occasion for Eritreans to uphold their cultural heritage, express their faith, and strengthen community bonds. This longstanding tradition showcases the enduring spirit and unity of the Eritrean people throughout generations.