Our years of experience and extensive network of local partners can help you build your dream trip from the endless possibilities of Ethiopia. We’ll talk through your ideas, give you some suggestions, set it all up and advise on travel, kit and preparation, so that you get the Ethiopian adventure you’ve always wanted.
Religion playing such an important role in the Ethiopian society, festivals and ceremonies provide many high points in the calendar; only the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates not less than 150 festivities per year.The various ethnic groups have their own new years and other festivals and ceremonies, some unique to that culture while others are common to many.
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
This event, falling on the 7th of January, is celebrated seriously by a church service that goes on throughout the night, with people moving from one church to another. Traditionally, young men play a game called Genna that is
Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany)
This is the most colorful event in the year when churches parade their Tabots to a nearby body of water. This is the commemoration of Christ's baptism, which falls on the 19th
Fasika (Easter)
This is a festival that follows a fasting period of 55 days. During this time, no animal product is eaten and the faithful do not eat anything at all until the daily service is finished at around 3:00 P.M. The fasting period culminates on the last two and half days long fasting ritual.
Maskal(Finding of the True Cross)
This is celebrated in memory of the Finding of the True Cross by Empress Eleni. This is as colorful as Timket, however instead of water, the focus of the celebration is a bonfire topped with an image of a cross to which flowers are tied.