EVENTS & FESTIVALS OF ETHIOPIA
Events & festivals
Events & Festivals in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is rich in religious and cultural holidays, many of which are annual festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm. Additionally, there are festivals rooted in local beliefs and traditions, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the diverse heritage of the country. As the best tour operator in Ethiopia, we provide tailored experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in these vibrant celebrations. Some of the well-known festivals include:
ASHENDA Festival
Ashenda, also called Shadey in other areas, is widely celebrated in Tigray and northern Amhara regions (Lalibela) with great ceremony. This festival is unique to girls, who celebrate by dancing and singing with drums from house to house in their village. The people give them food, drinks, and nowadays money. This celebration continues until sunset and can last up to 10 days, depending on the area. Mostly celebrated from August 17 – 25, this time marks the beginning of the new year in the Ethiopian calendar and the end of FISLETA fasting. The name Ashenda comes from the tall green grass of the area, around 80-90 cm, used as decoration for the festival. The girls wrap it around their waists over beautiful traditional dresses. For those looking to experience this unique cultural event, our Ethiopia Omo Valley tours provide an immersive journey into the heart of Ethiopia's vibrant traditions.
The Meskel festival
The Meskel Festival commemorates the finding of the True Holy Cross of Christ and falls on September 27 (Meskerem 17) in the Ethiopian calendar. It celebrates the discovery of the true cross by Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. This celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire called "Demera," symbolizing the smoke drifting towards the direction of the buried cross. People gather in churches and central areas to remember the true cross discovery with an amazing ceremony. The best celebration takes place in Addis Ababa at Meskel Square, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible world heritage. To witness this incredible festival, choose the best tour operator in Ethiopia to guide you through the country's cultural treasures.
Timket festival celebration Epiphany
Epiphany in Ethiopia is one of the most fascinating festivals, falling on January 19 & 20. The day before the baptism is known as "Ketera," meaning blocking the water in the Geez language. The holy Tabot (Ark of the Covenant) is removed from each church to a central area where the ceremony takes place, adorned with colorful umbrellas and clothes. After staying all night in tents, people assemble around the Tabot early in the morning, and holy water is sprinkled over all Christians present. The Tabot is then returned to the church with spiritual songs and ecclesiastical dances of the priests and Christians. For an unforgettable experience, book your trip with the best tour company in Ethiopia.
Gena, Ledet (Christmas)
Ethiopian Gena (Ledet) is a famous religious holiday celebrated by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. After 43 days of fasting, Gena is celebrated on "Tahisas 29" in the Ethiopian calendar or January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. During this festival, a well-known game called "Yegena Chewata," resembling hockey, is played by youths across Ethiopia. Families gather to celebrate with traditional cuisines, and a spectacular celebration takes place in the sacred town of Lalibela at "Bete Mariam" church, surrounded by colorful priests, chanting, and ecclesiastical dances overnight. Thousands of pilgrims attend this festivity, which is best explored with our Ethiopia tour packages.
The Erecha festival
The Erecha Festival, celebrated by the Oromo people of Ethiopia, is a thanksgiving ceremony to God (WAQA). The celebration takes place at the lakeshore of Hora in Bishoftu town, only a 30-minute drive from the capital. Over 1 million people attend this annual colorful festival. The Aba Geda (fathers of the society) and mothers walk holding green grass and yellow flowers, thanking God (WAQA) until they arrive at the lakeshore. This festival, celebrated on the first Sunday after Meskel in October, is now recognized as one of Ethiopia's UNESCO intangible heritage festivals. To witness this vibrant celebration, consider our carefully curated Ethiopia holiday packages.
Fiche Chembelala
Fiche Chembelala is the New Year festival for the Sidama people, who have their own calendar. Before deciding the starting date, elders count the stars and announce the date to the society. Celebrated for 15 days with great ceremony, this unique festival was recognized as a UNESCO intangible world heritage in 2015. Experience the cultural richness of this event with our historical tour packages to Ethiopia.
Shuwalid Festival
This festival is celebrated by the Harar people in the ancient eastern town of Harar, which has a majority Muslim population. Shuwalid Festival is celebrated yearly after Ramadan fasting and the additional 6 days of fasting, followed by reading scriptures, music, and dance. People of all ages celebrate this colorful festival, now recognized as a UNESCO intangible world heritage in 2023. For a deep dive into Ethiopia's diverse culture, join us on one of our Omo Valley tours Ethiopia.
The Southern People’s Festival
This colorful annual festival is held in Arbaminch town in mid-December. It represents all 56 nations and nationalities living in the southern regional state of Ethiopia. Representatives of each group gather to showcase their cultures, dances, and songs, offering a unique opportunity to experience Ethiopia's cultural diversity in one place. Discover this vibrant festival with the best tour operator in Ethiopia.
The EVANGADI Night
The HAMMER tribe, found in Omo Valley, boasts many spectacular unique cultures. One of the ceremonies is the 'Evangadi' night, featuring unique dances and songs in their village. Every unmarried girl and man attends this big ceremony, a highlight of our Ethiopia Omo Valley tours.
Bull Jumping in HAMMER
This festival signifies manhood for men who want to marry. Every man must participate in this ceremony if he wants a wife. The Hammer people believe that a man who successfully jumps over ten bulls standing in a row proves his strength and readiness to support a family. Failure during the jump is seen as a sign of weakness, requiring the man to wait for another chance the following year. Success means he can exchange cows with the girl’s family to marry her. Men with many cows in the Hammer tribe can marry more than one wife but don’t need to jump the bulls again. For an authentic cultural experience, explore this tradition through our Omo Valley tours Ethiopia.
Stick Fighting in SURMA
This sport, called "DONGA," is a stick-fighting competition among the Surma people. Men who want to marry and demonstrate their warrior spirit participate in these fights, which begin with 15 to 30 people on each side. After intense battles, the winner chooses his wife from the girls standing on the top of a hill. This sport also showcases the tribe's warrior skills among neighboring tribes like the Nyagatom and South Sudan’s tribes. Held mostly in the summer after the rains, this event is a key feature of our Ethiopia Omo Valley tours.
Bodi Tribe Ka'el Festival
The Bodi Tribe Ka'el festival marks the Bodi tribe's new year and features a fatness competition among men. Competitors prepare for a year by eating and drinking excessively, including cattle blood and milk, to gain as much weight as possible. The fattest man is considered a hero among the competitors. To witness this unique tradition, book your trip with the best tour company in Ethiopia.
Great Ethiopian Run
The Great Ethiopian Run is a colorful annual event held at the end of November, covering 10 km through the streets of Addis Ababa. Launched in 2001 by the famous Ethiopian runner Haile Gebresilassie, the festival has grown to attract over 40,000 participants from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to meet friendly Ethiopian people and experience the country's vibrant spirit. To be part of this exciting event, choose from our wide range of Ethiopia tour packages.
Embark on a journey through time with our historical tour packages to Ethiopia, where ancient wonders and timeless traditions await. As you explore Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of events and festivals that bring the past to life. From majestic religious celebrations to colorful cultural gatherings, our Ethiopia holiday packages offer an unforgettable blend of exploration and discovery. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic landmarks of Lalibela or the ancient ruins of Aksum, our meticulously crafted Ethiopia tour packages ensure a truly immersive experience. Join us on an adventure unlike any other and discover the wonders of Ethiopia’s past and present with the best tour operator in Ethiopia.
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