Festivals & Events
Immerse yourself in Ethiopian culture by planning your trip around these vibrant celebrations.
January 19-20
Timket (Epiphany)
Nationwide, especially Gondar
Ethiopia's most important festival, celebrating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are paraded to a nearby body of water.
September 27
Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)
Nationwide, especially Addis Ababa
Commemorates the 4th-century discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The festival is marked by large bonfires, known as Demera, and colorful processions.
January 7
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
Nationwide, especially Lalibela
Celebrated with all-night church services, processions, and traditional games. The celebrations in Lalibela are particularly famous.
Date varies (April/May)
Fasika (Ethiopian Easter)
Nationwide
The most important holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, celebrated after a 55-day fasting period. It features colorful church services and family feasts.
March 2
Adwa Victory Day
Nationwide, especially Addis Ababa
A national holiday commemorating Ethiopia's historic victory over Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, a pivotal moment in African history.
Late September / Early October
Irecha
Bishoftu, Oromia Region
A thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Oromo people to thank Waaqa (God) for the blessings and mercies received throughout the previous year.
Late August (1-2 weeks)
Ashenda
Tigray and Amhara regions
A colorful festival for girls and young women, marking the end of a two-week fast. Women dress in traditional clothes, sing, and dance in the streets.
February 19
Yekatit 12 (Ethiopian Martyrs' Day)
Addis Ababa
A solemn day of remembrance for the victims of the 1937 massacre in Addis Ababa by Italian fascist forces. Commemorations are held at the Yekatit 12 monument.
Varies (Islamic calendar)
Arafa (Eid al-Adha)
Nationwide
The Feast of the Sacrifice, one of the most important holidays in Islam. It is celebrated by Ethiopian Muslims with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.
Varies (around April)
Fichee-Chambalaalla
Sidama Region
The New Year festival of the Sidama people, celebrating peace, community, and cultural heritage. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
December 28 & July 26
Kulubi Gabriel (Feast of Saint Gabriel)
Kulubi, Oromia Region
One of Ethiopia's largest pilgrimages, where hundreds of thousands of Orthodox Christians gather at the Kulubi Gabriel Church to honor the Archangel Gabriel.
September 11
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)
Nationwide
Ethiopian New Year, which marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring. It is celebrated with family gatherings, the lighting of bonfires, and the exchange of gifts.