Winter
Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)
Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Addis Ababa, and nationwide Orthodox communities
About Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)
Experience Christmas as it was celebrated centuries ago, with all-night vigils, ancient hymns, and pilgrims filling sacred spaces. In the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, white-robed worshippers gather for solemn ceremonies, while outside, men and boys play the traditional Genna hockey game on fields still damp with morning dew, carrying on customs unchanged for generations.
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church calendar, which follows the ancient Julian calendar. The festival involves 43 days of fasting (Tsome Gahad or Advent) leading to Christmas, emphasizing spiritual preparation. The name Genna also refers to a traditional hockey-like game played on Christmas, symbolizing the shepherds' celebration upon hearing of Christ's birth.
- When
- January 7
- Season
- Winter
- Where
- Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Addis Ababa, and nationwide Orthodox communities
- Best time
- January 6-8 for the full Christmas celebration experience
What you will see
- All-night church services (likely) beginning around 6 PM on January 6
- Mass pilgrimages to Lalibela's rock-hewn churches
- Priests in magnificent ceremonial robes carrying replicas of the Ark (tabots)
- Traditional Genna hockey game played by men and boys with curved sticks
- Fasting broken with festive meals featuring meat dishes after church services
- Candlelight processions and white-clad worshippers creating stunning visual spectacles
- Ancient liturgical chants (zema) and religious poetry
- Family gatherings and sharing of special Christmas bread (defo dabo)
- In rural areas, bonfires and traditional dancing after religious observances
Visitor etiquette
- Wear white clothing to church services if possible to blend with worshippers
- Participate in the fasting if comfortable, or at least respect those who are fasting
- Watch the traditional Genna hockey game, usually played in open fields
- Try special Christmas dishes like doro wat (chicken stew) after fasting ends
- Respect the solemnity and religious significance of all-night services
- Arrive early at Lalibela churches for good viewing spots as pilgrims arrive
- Photography during services should be discreet and non-disruptive
- Be prepared for large crowds, especially at major religious sites
Visit Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) with a local guide
Tell us your dates and interests. A local guide replies with a proposed route and a clear price.