11 September – Eve of a new Millennium in Ethiopia

Tomorrow, 12 September 2007 is the first day (1 Mäskäräm) of the year 2000 for followers of the Ethiopian (or Ge'ez) calendar. The seven year difference between the Ethiopian calendar (based on the Julian calendar) and the Gregorian (followed by Western countries) is supposedly due to the calculation of a date for the Annunciation of Jesus (when archangel Gabriel revealed to Mary she would have the child of God).

The Ethiopian calendar has its roots in that of Ancient Egypt, with twelve months of thirty days and five (or six in a leap year) epagomenal days at the end of the year, which the Ethiopian's jokingly refer to as the thirteenth month.

Find out more about Ethiopia's Millennium celebrations from About.com's Guide to Africa for Vistoris, Anouk Zijlma.