Ethiopian Festivals: Culture and Community Celebrations

Festivals in Ethiopia fill the year with exciting events, from the dancing at Timkat to the bright colours of Meskel. These festivals are a big part of what makes Ethiopia special.

At Taitu Tour and Travel, we ensure your trip aligns with these great times, so you don’t miss out on the fun. While you’re enjoying the festivals, an Ethiopia Safari will show you the country’s wild animals and beautiful places, making your visit even more memorable.

Ethiopian Christmas (Leddet/Genna)

Ethiopian Christmas, called Genna (also called Leddet), happens every year on January 7th. This holiday is distinct from Christmas celebrations elsewhere, deeply rooted in the rich religious traditions of Ethiopia Festivals.

Before the celebration, there’s a 40-day fasting period where people don’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy. Genna starts with an all-night vigil and a church service that goes until morning.

The day is about spending time with family, playing traditional games, and enjoying festive meals, making it a significant cultural and religious event in Ethiopia.

Details	Description
Date	January 7th each year
Preceding Events	40 days of fasting known as Tsome Gehad, night-long vigil
Main Celebration	Church service that lasts through the night into the morning of January 7th
Traditional Meal	Doro Wote (spicy chicken stew), typically the first meal after the fasting period
Cultural Activities	Playing Yegenna Chewata, a traditional game similar to hockey, is believed to have been played by shepherds on the night Jesus was born
Best Places to Experience	Axum and Lalibela, known for their vibrant celebrations and historical significance

Ethiopia New Year – Enkutatash

Ethiopians celebrate the Ethiopian New Year, called Enkutatash, on September 11th or 12th.This special time marks the end of the rainy season, bringing a fresh start with beautiful landscapes covered in yellow Meskel flowers.

Enkutatash, meaning “Gift of Jewels,” is a time of joy and new beginnings celebrated with family and friends. It’s a major part of Ethiopia’s festivals, filled with traditions like singing, dancing, and lighting torches that light up communities across the country.

Join in the celebrations that show the unique calendar of Ethiopia, which includes 13 months, making it an extraordinary event in Ethiopia holidays.

Details	Description
Date	September 11^th or 12^th
Cultural Practices	Torches of dry wood are burned in front of houses; children, dressed in new clothes, sing and dance through the neighbourhoods.
Traditional Activities	Girls go door-to-door singing and receive bread or money; everyone jumps over the ashes of the torches to welcome the new year.
Best Place to Experience	Axum, where the festival ties to the historical arrival of the Queen of Sheba from her visit to King Solomon

Great Ethiopian Run

The Great Ethiopian Run is the largest running event in Africa, held every year in late November. It attracts over 40,000 people, including some of the world’s top runners.

This popular event is a big part of Ethiopia’s celebrations, offering both locals and visitors a chance to experience the excitement of a large-scale race in the vibrant setting of Addis Ababa.

Participate in the excitement of the Great Ethiopian Run, a key highlight among Things to Do in Ethiopia.

Details	Description
Date	Last or second last Sunday of November
Number of Participants	More than 44,000, featuring elite and casual runners
Significance	Highlights Ethiopia’s enthusiasm for sports and community events
Activities	Running, local festivities, music, cultural displays
Ideal Viewing Spot	Routes along the main streets of Addis Ababa

Meskel – Finding the True Cross

The Meskel Festival is an important event for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, celebrating the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena in the fourth century.

Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, this festival is a highlight for anyone on Ethiopia Tours and Safaris. The most iconic part of Meskel is the lighting of the Damera, a huge bonfire, which is accompanied by colourful processions, dancing, and singing.

People across Ethiopia celebrate it with great enthusiasm, holding the biggest event in Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square.

Details	Description
Date	Annually around September 27
UNESCO Recognition	Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Main Attraction	The Damera bonfire, symbolises the discovery of the True Cross
Key Activities	Ceremonial processions, dancing, singing, and feasting
Best Place to Experience	Meskel Square in Addis Ababa; vibrant celebrations also in Axum and Gondar
Significance	Marks Empress Helena’s discovery of the True Cross
Cultural Impact	Highlights Ethiopian religious traditions and community spirit

Timket (Epiphany)

Timket, also known as Epiphany, is a vibrant celebration that marks one of the high points of the Ethiopia Tours and Safaris calendar.

It commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, highlighted by the rare public appearance of the Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant.

This three-day festival fills with music, dance, and colorful ceremonies, attracting both locals and tourists into an unforgettable cultural experience.

The highlight is the blessing of the waters, a ritual that involves sprinkling blessed water on participants, symbolizing renewal and purification.

Detail	Description
Date	Celebrated in January, the exact date varies each year
Main Attraction	Procession of the Tabot, a sacred symbol only displayed during Timket
Activities	Overnight vigil, ceremonial processions, singing, dancing, trumpeting, and incense burning
Cultural Significance	Celebrates the baptism of Jesus, a key event in Christian theology
Best Places to Experience	Gondar, at Fasilides’ Bath; Addis Ababa at Jan Meda
Unique Practices	Tabots are returned to churches after festivities, except St. Michael’s which stays out an extra day

Irrecha Festival

The Irrecha Festival is an important event in the Ethiopia holiday calendar, where the Oromo people celebrate their heritage by giving thanks for blessings and praying for prosperity.

Communities gather near bodies of water to express vibrant gratitude, filling the day with traditional songs, dances, and prayers.

This festival reflects the rich cultural diversity of the Oromo and draws visitors interested in Ethiopia’s Tourist Attractions.

Detail	Description
Date	Irreechaa Tulluu: May; Irreechaa Malkaa: Late September or early October
Seasonal Significance	Irreechaa Tulluu marks the rainy season’s start; Irreechaa Malkaa celebrates the dry season and harvest
UNESCO Recognition	Part of the Gada system recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016
Best Places to Experience	Near bodies of water in Oromo-populated regions, particularly around Addis Ababa
Activities	Community prayers, singing, dancing, and sharing meals
Who Participates	Open to everyone, attracts people from various backgrounds

Celebrate Ethiopia’s Amazing Festivals

We’ve seen how special Ethiopia’s festivals are, bringing everyone together with fun and colourful traditions. From the exciting races of the Great Ethiopian Run to the joyful celebrations of Enkutatash, every festival tells a story.

Come see for yourself with Taitu Tour and Travel. Enjoy Ethiopia safaris and join in the Ethiopia festivals. Book your trip now and be part of the excitement and community in Ethiopia.