Festivals in Ethiopia

Ethiopian celebrations are vibrant, mostly religious, and often span several days. Major Christian holidays include Meskel, Christmas, Timkat, Kiddus Yohannes, and Easter. Timkat, the most colorful, marks Christ’s baptism, while Meskel, in September, commemorates the discovery of the True Cross. Kiddus Yohannes, Ethiopia’s New Year, falls on September 11, signaling the end of the rainy season.

Muslim holidays follow the lunar calendar. Ramadan, a month of fasting, ends with ‘Id Al-Fitr, while ‘Id Al-Adha honors Abraham’s devotion to God. On these days, prayers, animal sacrifices, charity, and family gatherings take place, often accompanied by traditional horse races. Ethiopian Muslims also celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on September 20 and honor various martyrs.

Fasika – Easter (May – date varies)

Easter in Ethiopia follows a 55-day fast (Hudade or Abye Tsome) where Orthodox Christians refrain from meat and dairy, eating only vegetarian meals like lentils, grains, and vegetable stews. The first meal is after 3 PM, except on weekends when it’s after the morning service.

On Easter Eve, a colorful candle-lit mass is held from 6 PM to 2 AM. Celebrations in Axum and Lalibela are particularly vibrant. After the service, families break their fast with chicken or lamb, slaughtered the previous night. Easter is also a time for family reunions and gift exchanges, like lamb, goat, or bread.

Meskel – Finding of the True Cross (September 26th and 27th)

Meskel, one of the major Ethiopian Orthodox festivals, is celebrated over two days starting on September 26th. According to legend, in 326 AD, Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the cross on which Christ was crucified. Guided by smoke from a burning fire, she unearthed the Holy Cross and lit torches to announce her success. During the Middle Ages, the Patriarch of Alexandria gave Ethiopian Emperor Dawit a fragment of the True Cross in exchange for protection of Coptic Christians. A piece of the True Cross is said to be held at Gishen Mariam, about 70 kilometers northwest of Dessie. Ethiopians have celebrated this day for centuries.

Timkat – Ethiopian Epiphany (January 19th or 20th)

Timkat, celebrated on January 19th (or 20th during a leap year), is Ethiopia’s most vibrant festival, marking the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. The eve of Timkat, known as Ketera, sees the Tabots from each church paraded to a river or pool for the next day’s festivities. A special tent is erected for the Tabots, while church choirs chant hymns. Priests perform a unique dance with prayer sticks and sistera, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of drums, bells, and trumpets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of celebration.