Festivals

Timket Epiphany Celebration

Timket, celebrated every January, is one of the most vibrant and spiritual festivals in Ethiopia. It commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and is marked by colorful processions, traditional songs, and religious rituals. On the eve of the festival, replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, known as Tabots, are carried from churches to water bodies, accompanied by priests in elaborate robes and crowds singing and dancing. The next morning, a symbolic baptism is performed, with people joyfully spraying water to cleanse and renew. Timket offers a powerful glimpse into Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Orthodox Christian traditions.

Meskel Finding of the True Cross

Meskel, celebrated on September 27 (or 28 during leap years), marks the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena in the 4th century. The festival is most famously observed in Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square, where thousands gather around a massive bonfire called the Demera. The fire is decorated with flowers and burned as crowds sing and dance in celebration. The event symbolizes light overcoming darkness and is filled with spiritual meaning and community joy. Visitors can expect colorful robes, cheerful processions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Fasika Ethiopian Orthodox Easter

Fasika is a deeply sacred time for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and usually falls in April. After 55 days of fasting from meat and dairy, families gather to break the fast with a feast featuring traditional dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera. Church services on the night of Fasika last until dawn and are filled with candlelight, chanting, and prayer. The mood is both reflective and joyous, and visitors who attend will witness the strength of faith and community in every part of the celebration.

Genna Ethiopian Christmas

Genna, celebrated on January 7, is a time of joy, prayer, and festivity. The day begins with a church service at dawn, often followed by a traditional game also called Genna, similar to hockey, especially in the highlands. Afterward, families gather to eat, sing, and celebrate with neighbors. Lalibela is a popular destination during Genna, where thousands of pilgrims and tourists come to witness the awe-inspiring ceremonies held in the rock-hewn churches. The celebration blends spiritual reverence with cultural warmth, making it an ideal time to experience Ethiopia’s religious traditions.

Irreecha Oromo Thanksgiving Festival

Irreecha is a major cultural festival celebrated by the Oromo people, usually in late September or early October. It is a thanksgiving ceremony to honor Waaqa (God) for peace, fertility, and blessings. Thousands gather near lakes, especially Lake Hora in Bishoftu, wearing traditional attire and carrying green grass and flowers. Participants dip the grasses in the water and bless themselves, family, and the coming year. With its traditional music, dances, and rituals, Irreecha is a powerful expression of Oromo identity, unity, and spirituality.

Ashenda Celebration of Young Women

Ashenda is a unique cultural festival celebrated in Tigray and parts of northern Ethiopia, usually at the end of August. It honors women and girls, who dress in beautiful traditional outfits and adorn themselves with jewelry and braided hair. They sing, dance, and visit homes to receive small gifts. The name Ashenda comes from the tall grass worn by participants around their waists. The festival promotes female empowerment, artistic expression, and cultural pride. It’s one of the most colorful and uplifting celebrations in the country.