What is Buhe?
Buhe is a popular Ethiopian observance associated with Debre Tabor, the feast of the Transfiguration. It falls on Nehase 13 in the Ethiopian calendar.
The holiday combines Orthodox religious meaning with familiar neighborhood customs. Many Ethiopians know Buhe through children singing from house to house and receiving small gifts or bread.
Because the day is both religious and cultural in public memory, it is a good example of how Ethiopian holidays move between church calendar and home life.
Traditions and atmosphere
Children and young people may sing Buhe songs in groups, often carrying sticks and moving through neighborhoods in the evening.
Families may prepare special bread or share food, and the holiday is remembered for a warm local atmosphere rather than only formal ceremony.
Regional practice varies, and urban observance can be lighter than in places where neighborhood singing remains strong.
Religious context
Debre Tabor refers to the Transfiguration of Christ. In the Orthodox calendar, this gives the day its liturgical foundation.
The cultural name Buhe has become the everyday way many people refer to the date, especially in family settings.
EtCal uses both names so users searching either the religious feast or the cultural name can find the same observance.
Calendar timing
Buhe is fixed on Nehase 13. Its Gregorian equivalent changes slightly with the Ethiopian and Gregorian leap-year relationship.
Use EtCal to check the exact Gregorian date for the current Ethiopian year or to add the holiday to a personal calendar.
Sources and further reading
This page is written as original English EtCal content and cross-checked against trusted Ethiopian calendar, cultural, Orthodox, Islamic, and public-holiday references.
Related Holiday Info
Continue with related Ethiopian, Orthodox, Muslim, and cultural/regional holiday pages.
Frequently asked questions
When is Buhe?
Buhe is Nehase 13 in the Ethiopian calendar.
Is Buhe the same as Debre Tabor?
Buhe is the popular cultural name, while Debre Tabor refers to the Transfiguration feast.
What do children do on Buhe?
In many communities, children sing Buhe songs around neighborhoods and may receive small gifts or bread.
Is Buhe fixed every year?
Yes. It is fixed in the Ethiopian calendar.