Proclamation to Determine Public Holidays and Celebration of Public Holidays (Proclamation No. 1334/2024) replaces previous holiday legislation (Proclamation No. 16/1975, as amended) and took effect upon publication on August 14, 2024.

Key Provisions:

1. Types of Public Holidays:

• Celebrated National Holidays (institutions closed):
  • Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) – Sept 11
  • Adwa Victory Day – March 2
  • International Workers’ Day – May 1
  • Ethiopian Patriots’ Victory Day – May 5
• Memorial National Holidays (institutions open):
  • Ethiopian Martyrs’ Day – Feb 20
  • Ethiopian National Unity Day – Dec 9
• Religious Holidays (institutions closed):
  • Meskel (Sept 27), Christmas (Jan 7), Epiphany (Jan 19), Good Friday, Easter, Mawlid, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha

2. General Rules:

• All public holidays are salaried days (no pay deduction for time off).
• Essential services (water, electricity, health, security, transport, etc.) remain open or may operate.
• Government and non-government institutions close on celebrated national and religious holidays, unless exceptions apply.

3. Celebration Guidelines:

• New Year: Coordinated by Ministry of Culture and Sport; cannon firing at 6:00 AM.
• Adwa Victory Day: Organized by Ministry of Defense; national message from government.
• Patriots’ Victory Day: Coordinated with Ethiopian Patriots Association.
• International Workers’ Day: Coordinated by ministry responsible for labor.
• Religious holidays: Celebrated per religious procedures; religious leaders may give public messages; security agencies collaborate to ensure safe public observances.

4. Miscellaneous:

• Ethiopian embassies/consulates abroad must celebrate holidays according to this Proclamation, implementing regulations, and Foreign Ministry directives.
• Government media must cover holidays preserving religious/historical content; private media may do so.
• Council of Ministers may issue regulations; Ministries of Culture & Sport and Foreign Affairs may issue directives.

5. Repeal & Effective Date:

• Repeals Proclamation No. 16/1975 (as amended by Nos. 28/1975 and 29/1995), except provisions on weekly rest days.
• Takes effect on August 14, 2024.