Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)
Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches
Lalibela, often called Africa’s Jerusalem, is the epicenter of Genna celebrations, attracting up to 100,000 pilgrims to its 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved in the 12th–13th centuries. The festivities begin on January 5th, with an all-night vigil on Christmas Eve (January 6th) at churches like Bet Maryam (House of Mary) and Bet Emanuel. Pilgrims, draped in white netela shawls, chant and pray amidst candlelit processions, accompanied by rhythmic drums and sistrums. The dawn service on January 7th features priests in vibrant robes performing the woreb (liturgical chants) on cliffs overlooking the churches, a timeless spectacle of devotion.Address: Lalibela, Amhara Region, Ethiopia Tip: Book accommodations early (e.g., Ben Abeba Lodge) and join a guided tour to understand the rituals.
Ethiopian Christmas (Genna): A Spiritual Celebration
Experience the profound spirituality and vibrant traditions of Ethiopian Christmas, known as Genna or Ledet, celebrated on January 7th (Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian Calendar). Unlike the commercialized festivities of the West, Genna is a deeply religious holiday rooted in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, also observed by Protestant and Catholic communities in Ethiopia. This page, crafted for your tour website, highlights the unique cultural and spiritual attractions of Genna, focusing on key destinations and traditions that make this celebration unforgettable.
Activities
Attend Midnight Mass: Join the all-night vigil on January 6th in Lalibela, Addis Ababa, or Axum for a spiritual experience with chants, drums, and candlelit processions.
Participate in Processions: Walk with pilgrims in white netela shawls, circling churches to the rhythm of sistrums and makamiya prayer sticks.
Enjoy Genna Games: Watch or cheer at a Genna hockey match or yeferas guks in rural areas, celebrating Ethiopia’s playful traditions.
Savor Traditional Feasts: Break the fast with Doro Wat, injera, and a coffee ceremony at local homes or cultural venues.
Explore Historical Sites: Combine Genna with visits to Lalibela’s churches, Axum’s obelisks, or Gondar’s palaces for a deeper historical context.
Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral, Addis Ababa
In Ethiopia’s capital, the Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral hosts vibrant Genna services, drawing thousands for midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Pilgrims in white netela or shamma garments participate in a looping procession around the circular church, led by priests chanting to traditional instruments. The service, lasting from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM, is a communal expression of faith, followed by feasts to break the fast. Visitors can experience urban Ethiopia’s warm hospitality and modern churches alongside this sacred tradition.Address: Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tip: Arrive early for a good view of the procession and respect dress codes (white attire preferred).
