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Travel advice for Ethiopia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Ethiopia
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written by Karoki Lewis
updated 13.12.2022
Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated on January 7th each year. Most of the country's population is Orthodox, and Christmas celebrations last for weeks. Here is our quick guide to Ethiopian Christmas or Ganna in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Christmas celebrations — also known as Ganna — are slightly different than those in the West. Ganna is a religious holiday, and gift-giving or Santa Claus does not play a role.
Travelling to Ethiopia? Don't miss our first timers guide to visiting Ethiopia.
Pilgrims carry candles during Ethiopian Christmas celebrations © Karoki Lewis
After the meal, it is typical to have a coffee ceremony where coffee is roasted and passed around to take in the smell.
Injera food, Ethiopia © Shutterstock
Each person is given a candle (to represent the star of Bethlehem) and walks three times around the church in a solemn procession. Then each person stops to form an outer circle. In the centre circle, the priest serves Holy Communion.
The celebration, which will last for 12 days, then begins. This is a time of games, festivities, folk dancing and performances. Boys play a holiday game (called Ganna) that is comparable to hockey, with a curved stick and round wooden ball. This game represents the shepherds tending to their flocks and is a large part of the Christmas celebrations.
Ethiopian men play a sport called yeferas guks which involves horseback riding and shooting "spears" at each other.
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The enormous crowds celebrate all night long with chanting, singing and prayers, and are an evocative sight.
Ethiopian Church © Shutterstock
Want to know more about what to see on your trip? Read our list of the best things to do in Ethiopia.
Timkat is a particularly spectacular occasion in Gondar when Fasil’s Pool is filled with water and hundreds of eager participants leap in to re-enact the baptism. It is also a big event in Lalibela.
Timkat is known for its music, and many instruments are played during the celebration. The sistrum (made of tinkling metal disks) and the makamiya (a prayer stick used as percussion) can be heard throughout the procession.
Timkat festival in Gonder, Ethiopia © Shutterstock
Travelling with your family? See our guide to the best places to go with kids.
Or find accommodations for any budget in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Christmas is one of many sites you can see on your dream trip to Africa. 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.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Ethiopia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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written by Karoki Lewis
updated 13.12.2022
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Ethiopia
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