Ethiopians ushered in a New Year on 11 September with bright and colourful decorations in the capital, Addis Ababa, and other cities and towns across the country.
Nationals enter the year 2010 according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar, which is nearly seven years behind the Gregorian calendar commonly used worldwide.
Locally known as Enkutatash, Amharic for gift of jewels, family and friends come together to spend time with one another. Social media is also buzzing with the people sending congratulatory messages.
The government outlined a 10-day event between 1-10 September as part of plans to warmly celebrate the New Year.
The events included: Love Day, Mothers’ and Children’s Day, Elders’ Day, Peace Day, Reading Day, Green Development Day, Respect Day, National Feelings Day, Unity Day and Ethiopia Day.