Genna Festival (Ethiopian Christmas)

Experience the ancient magic of Genna, the unique Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas celebrated on January 7. Following the historic Julian calendar, this deeply spiritual holiday centers around candlelit Christmas Eve vigils, traditional prayers, and joyful communal gatherings. While celebrated nationwide with people dressing in their finest white netela cloths, the ultimate destination for Genna is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela. Here, thousands of white-robed pilgrims gather around the famous rock-hewn churches to witness the spectacular, rhythmic chanting and movements (Shibshabo) of the Orthodox clergy. Back in the neighborhoods, communities feast on traditional doro wat chicken stew and play Yegenna Chewata—a traditional hockey-like game played only during this season. Join this magnificent journey of faith, deep-rooted history, and legendary Ethiopian hospitality!