+251-925963212FESTIVALS TOUR
Attending the diverse and lively outdoor festivals is a standout experience during any trip to Ethiopia. The country’s distinct calendar and dating system, along with its independent traditions and rich history of Christianity and Islam, make Ethiopia one of the rare nations on Earth to host captivating and exclusive celebrations.
Genna/ Ethiopian Christmas/
Appearing at Genna in Ethiopia is a unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas two times a year as the festival is held one week later of the Gregorian calendar. As the day is primarily a commemoration day of Jesus Christ’s birthday, the celebration is mostly a religious undertaking in various parishes. The actual Genna celebration is preceded by a night-long Vigil following 43 days of fasting where meat, egg, and dairy products are forbidden. Genna is mainly a family-oriented holiday and people in the countryside still maintain the tradition of playing Yegenna Chewata, a hockey-like game, following the prior evening’s service. Yegenna Chewata, according to tradition, is believed to have been played by the shepherds on the night Jesus was born. The perfect venue to spot this vibrant festival is Lalibela; as the day is also the birthday of St. King Lalibela who orchestrated the stellar rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Meskel /the Finding of the True Cross/
In the month of September when the Ethiopian mountain turns into a verdant meadow people gather to celebrate one of the epic festivals in Ethiopia; Meskel. The day is celebrated to commemorate the finding of the true cross by Empress Helena of the Roman Empire.
This UNESCO inscribed intangible heritage is best attributed and centered on a conical bonfire called a Demera, mass gathering, and religious chanting. Despite its mainly attributed as an outdoor event, the people of Gurage best celebrate in house. If you are into the outdoor celebration Addis Ababa, Adigrat and Gondar are the best places to witness this enchanting celebration.
Timket/ Ethiopian Epiphany/
If you are into colorful outdoor festivals Timkat makes the premium of all festivals in Ethiopia. Despite the festival’s roots, it’s base on religion, the cultural part of it is the experience to enjoy. Timket is the Ethiopian Orthodox equivalent to Epiphany, is celebrated at churches throughout the country on January 19. The best place to be during Timkat is Gondar, where the festivities culminate in a crowded and colorful afternoon re-enactment of the first baptism at the 17th century Fasil’s Pool, which is filled with water for the occasion.
Ethiopian Orthodox girl’s festival
This festival is one of the unique and colorful festivals in Northern Ethiopia. Girls of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrate this festival annually by the end of a fasting period called Filesta between 16-26 August every year. The festival which named Ashenda, Shadey, Ashndeye, Aynewari, and Solele is reserved only for young girls. The word Ashenda stands for the “tall green grass” which in the minimum has 80-90 centimeter height. Girls put the tall grass on their waist by gathering in groups and going out into streets, they stage different traditional dances chanting heart titillating songs beating a special drum with their hands. As they go out at their best they lure the opposite sex, with peeled eyes who are alert to choose their best. In most cases, the girls win suitors. Be a part of this vibrating and intriguing festival in all parts of Tigray and the northern part of the Amhara region.