Jijiga (Dawan Africa) – Ethiopia on Sunday observed Pagume 2, part of the “hidden days” that complete the country’s 13-month calendar year. Pagume 1, celebrated on Saturday, coincided with Resistance Day, while festivities will continue until Mäskäräm 1 on September 11, marking the Ethiopian New Year – 2018 in the local calendar.
Pagume is the 13th month of the Ethiopian calendar. It normally spans five days, extending to six days in leap years, and falls between September 5 and 10 in the Gregorian calendar (or September 6 to 11 in leap years). The name comes from the Greek term epagomene, meaning “days added,” while in Amharic it is also called Baaqume.
Ethiopia’s calendar system differs from the Gregorian calendar used internationally. Each of the 12 regular months has 30 days, with Pagume added to complete a 365-day year—or 366 days in a leap year. By contrast, the Gregorian calendar has months of 30 or 31 days, except February, which has 28 or 29 days.
The country dedicates a week of celebrations to the transition into the New Year. During Pagume, official festivals and ceremonies are held each day, with themed activities and slogans celebrating national culture and history.
Ethiopia remains the only country in the world with a 13-month calendar, highlighting its unique historical and cultural heritage.