How bank holidays work in Ethiopia
Ethiopia keeps its own calendar, with twelve months of thirty days and a thirteenth of five or six, running about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian one. That is why its holidays sit on dates that look unusual elsewhere: Christmas (Genna) on 7 January, Timkat on 19 January, Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, on 11 September and Meskel on 27 September. The New Year and Meskel fall a day later in the year before a Gregorian leap year, and Timkat a day later in the leap year itself.
Muslim holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are also public holidays and follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move by about eleven days each year and are confirmed close to the day.
Bank Holidays and Money Transfers
Banks are closed on the dates above, and most electronic transfers do not settle on holidays or weekends. For international payments, the holidays of both countries matter. SWIFT (Ethiopia)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next bank holiday in Ethiopia?
The next bank holiday in Ethiopia is Christmas Day on Thursday, January 7, 2027 (in 87 days).
How many holidays does Ethiopia have in 2026?
Ethiopia has 13 nationwide bank and public holidays in 2026. Regional observances can add more depending on the state or province.
Are these dates official?
Dates are generated from the actively maintained python-holidays library and refreshed annually. For contractual or legal deadlines, confirm with official government sources.
Is today a bank holiday in Ethiopia?
No, today (Oct 12) is not a bank holiday in Ethiopia. Banks are open as usual.
Do bank transfers process on holidays in Ethiopia?
Domestic and international transfers generally do not settle on bank holidays or weekends. A transfer sent the day before a holiday usually arrives the next business day.