Events and festivals

Enjoy visiting Ethiopia in 2025, ‘EXPERIENCE AMAZING’ traditions with festivals of Ethiopia!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Colorful Cultural Events and Authentic Ethiopian Religious Festivals

Witness the rich traditions of Ethiopia through unique events and festivals with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours

Ethiopia is a land where history, faith, and tradition come alive through vibrant festivals and celebrations. Throughout the year, Ethiopia hosts spectacular events that offer travelers an immersive cultural experience.

From the mesmerizing Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) baptism rituals to the colorful UNESCO-recognized Meskel (Finding of the Cross), each festival is a window into Ethiopia’s deep-rooted heritage.

By timing your visit to coincide with these extraordinary gatherings, you’ll witness age-old traditions, interact with local communities, and create unforgettable memories.

Whether it is

the rhythmic beats of Ashenda,

the spiritual grandeur of Hidar Tsion, or

the energetic spirit of the Great Ethiopian Run,

Ethiopia’s events promise a journey unlike any other.

Ashenda or Ashendiye (አሸንዳ ወይም አሸንድዬ) is a celebration of women’s empowerment and cultural identity. It typically takes place between August 16th and 26th with joyful dancing, singing, and vibrant cultural expressions.

Hidar Tsion (ህዳር ፂዮን) is a major Ethiopian Orthodox Christian festival celebrated in Axum, North Ethiopia. Hidar Tsion is held on November 30th (or December 1st in leap years). It honors the Virgin Mary and is deeply connected to the belief that the Ark of the Covenant resides in Axum.

The Great Ethiopian Run (ታላቁ ሩጫ) is Africa’s largest road race, held annually in November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is a 10-kilometer race attended with tens of thousands of participants, including elite athletes and recreational runners.

Dig deeper to find out fascinating cultural activities, religious festivals, and interesting public events in Ethiopia. Find out the specific dates and where in Ethiopia these ceremonies are held most colorfully in a given year.

We provide relevant and helpful answers to top questions visitors may have in mind about events and festivals of Ethiopia.

NOTE: Dates are according to the Gregorian (Western) Calendar.

What Are the Most Important Ethiopian Festivals Travelers Should Experience?

Ethiopia is renowned for its lively festivals that showcase its rich cultural and religious heritages. Some of the most important festivals to experience include:

• Gena (Ethiopian Christmas) - ገና (ልደት) – January 7: This family-oriented holiday is enjoyed with traditional foods and festivities. Genna or Lidet (7 January), the Ethiopian equivalent to Christmas, is preceded by an all-night vigil following 43 days of fasting that culminates on Genna. In some areas it is marked by traditional dancing or a hockey-like game called Yegenna Chewata, supposedly played by the local shepherds on the night Jesus was born.

Gena is celebrated most colorfully at Lalibela, North Ethiopia. For visiting the churches of Lalibela which are carved out of rock, two days is the minimum you need. In two days tour from Addis Ababa, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Lalibela Rock Churches. Check out the details of the two-day private tour of Lalibela Rock Churches from Addis Ababa.

• Timket (Epiphany) - ጥምቀት – January 19: Celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ with colorful processions and water blessings. Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It was officially inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. Timket is celebrated most colorfully at the north Ethiopian city of Gondar.

• Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) - እንቁጣጣሽ – September 11: A secular celebration marking the Queen of Sheba’s return to Aksum. A more secular occasion is Enkutatash, or Ethiopian New Year (11 September), which falls on the date that the Queen of Sheba supposedly arrived back in Aksum after having visited King Solomon in Jerusalem. It is celebrated vigorously throughout the country by people of all faiths.

• Meskel - መስቀል (ደመራ) – September 27: Marks the discovery of the True Cross with large bonfires and joyous celebrations. Meskel (27 September) is now registered with UNESCO as an element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Meskel celebration commemorates the alleged 4th century finding of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The centerpiece of this uniquely Ethiopian festival is the burning of a massive conical bonfire called a Damera.

• Islamic Holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are especially celebrated in regions like Harar. At the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the first day of the month of Shewal is celebrated as Eid-al-Fitr. This is followed by six-days of fasting. The 8th day of the month of Shewal is Shewal Eid - a special Harari cultural festival, consisting of 24 hours of celebrations.

• Other Regional Festivals: Irreecha (Oromo people), Fiche Chambalala (Sidama people), and Ashura in Harar. The walled town of Harar also comes alive during the Ashura ceremony, which takes place on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Important Islamic pilgrimage sites that host annual festivals include the Sof Omar Caves and Dire Sheikh Hussein in the lowlands east of the Bale Mountains.

How Does Timket Festival Showcase Ethiopia’s Religious Traditions?

Timket, Ethiopia’s Orthodox Epiphany celebrated on January 19 (or 20 in leap years), is a spectacular display of religious devotion and cultural heritage.

The festival commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Central to Timket is the procession of the Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, carried by priests from churches to nearby water bodies.

At dawn, a divine liturgy is held, and the water is blessed. Worshippers immerse themselves in the water to renew their baptismal vows, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and renewal. The streets fill with colorfully dressed priests, joyful hymns, traditional dances, and the vibrant participation of thousands of locals and visitors alike. Timket is also recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

When Is the Ethiopian New Year and What Celebrations Happen Then?

The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, is celebrated on September 11 each year (or September 12 in leap years). It commemorates the legendary return of the Queen of Sheba to Aksum after her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem.

Unlike the religious festivals, Enkutatash is a more secular celebration enjoyed by people of all faiths across Ethiopia. Festivities include family gatherings, gift-giving, singing, and dancing. It is a joyful occasion marking new beginnings and the end of the rainy season, often accompanied by colorful flowers and traditional meals.

Which Holidays in Ethiopia Offer Unique Cultural or Historical Insights for Visitors?

Several Ethiopian holidays provide deep cultural and historical insights:
• Meskel (September 27): Celebrates the discovery of the True Cross with the lighting of a massive bonfire called the Damera or Demera. The largest gathering is at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa and the Cathedral of Maryam Tsion in Aksum.
• Gena (January 7): Ethiopian Christmas, preceded by a 43-days fasting season, features traditional games like Yegenna Chewata and special meals such as doro wot (chicken stew).
• Islamic Festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with prayers and feasts, especially in eastern cities like Harar, which also hosts the unique Ashura ceremony.
• Regional Festivals: Irecha (Oromo people) and Fiche Chambalala (Sidama people) showcase Ethiopia’s ethnic diversity and rich traditions.

How Can I Incorporate Festival Dates into Travel Planning for an Authentic Experience?

To fully immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s culture, plan your visit around these key festivals. Here are some tips:

• Check festival dates in advance: Many Ethiopian festivals follow the Ethiopian calendar. The holiday dates can shift slightly on the Gregorian calendar, especially in leap years.
• Book early: Popular festivals like Timket and Meskel attract large crowds, so accommodations and tours fill up quickly.
• Choose festival locations carefully: For example, Timket celebrations in Gondar and Lalibela offer spectacular experiences, while Meskel in Addis Ababa is vibrant and accessible.
• Use expert local guides: Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours can customize your itinerary to coincide with festivals, providing cultural context and seamless logistics.
• Be respectful: Festivals are deeply religious and cultural events, so dress modestly and follow local customs.

Let us guide you through the most exciting festivals and experiences that showcase the heart and soul of Ethiopia!

How Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours Can Help

We specialize in creating customized itineraries that integrate these Ethiopian festivals into your travel plans.

Whether you want to witness the grandeur of Meskel Celebration in Addis Ababa or experience Timket Festival in Lalibela, our expert guides will ensure you get the most authentic and memorable experience.

⭐ Personalized festival tour planning

⭐ Local cultural insights and expert guides

⭐ Seamless logistics and comfortable accommodations

⭐ Opportunities to participate in traditional ceremonies

Contact Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours to plan your trip around Ethiopia’s most unforgettable festivals and cultural events.

 If you are looking to experience real religious festivals, contact Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours. Use the button below to reach us on WhatsApp.

Keep in touch with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours on Social Media