Ethiopian Christmas celebrations in pictures

Celebrate Ethopian Christmas in January. Ethiopia is East African and a Christian country, yet it marks Christmas on 7th January. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Ethiopia your essential guide for visiting Ethiopia.

Celebrate Ethiopian Christmas

Visit Lalibela in January. One of Ethiopia's holiest sites, it attracts vast gatherings of pilgrims at Christmas. And celebrations are focused around 11 rock-hewn 13th century churches which were built under the rule of King Lalibela of the Zagwe Dynasty and now have World Heritage status.

The enormous crowds celebrate all night long with chanting, singing and prayers, an evocative sight captured in images by photographer Karoki Lewis. If you want to witness this Ethiopian Christmas tradition yourself, stay at Ben Abeba Lodge & Tukul in Lalibela.

Pilgrims carry candles during Ethiopian Christmas celebrations © Karoki Lewis

Ready to travel to Ethiopia? Find out about the best time to go and the best places to see and things to do in Ethiopia. For inspiration use the Ethiopia itineraries from The Rough Guide to Ethiopia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

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