Expected dates from the Umm al-Qura calendar. The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council confirms the date by moon sighting, so it can be a day later.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan (ረመዳን) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month of fasting. From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink and smoking, and spend more time in prayer, reading the Qur’an and charity. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr.
Ramadan in Ethiopia
About a third of Ethiopians are Muslim. During Ramadan, families break the fast at sunset (iftar), often with dates, soup, sambusa and other dishes shared with neighbours, and evenings are busy with prayers at mosques. Large community iftars have also been held in public spaces in Addis Ababa in recent years.
The date
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Ramadan starts about 11 days earlier each year. The dates on this page come from the Umm al-Qura calendar; in Ethiopia the start is confirmed by the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council once the new moon is sighted, so it can be a day later.
Ge'ez Calendar