Ethiopia has a number of festivals, many of them unique. Timket 9 the Feast of Epiphany), falling on 19th January, of the greatest festival of the year, followed in importance by Meskal (Finding of the True Cross) on the 27th of September. Easter is the most solemn of festivals but the Ethiopian New year 9 Enkutatash) falls on the 11th of September in western calendar. Christmas is celebrated on 7th January. Among the most unusual of the country’s festivals are Kulubi Gebriel, Sheik Hussein, Gishen Mariam, and Sof Omar. Crowds pray for health, for a new baby, for special favors or a good harvest, or to give thanks for wishes already granted.