Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora marked the 18th National Flag Day on Monday, Oct. 13, with nationwide flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and rallies promoting unity and national pride.
Events in Addis Ababa and regional capitals commemorated the flag’s adoption in 1897 under Emperor Menelik II.
The day was observed under the theme: “National Flag for Heralding the Era of Ethiopia’s Great Leap, National Unity, Sovereignty, and Renewal.”
Government officials, including members of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party, linked the celebration to recent gains in infrastructure and energy, while emphasizing national unity, freedom, and sovereignty.
The House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) led the commemorations, as is tradition, using the occasion to highlight the flag’s symbolism and the country’s aspirations.
Social media reflected widespread national pride, but also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including political divisions and regional conflicts.
National Flag Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of Tikimt in the Ethiopian calendar, typically falling in September or October.
