Festival - On The Go Ethiopia

Meskel

Meskel is celebrated by dancing, feasting and lighting a massive bonfire known in Ethiopian tradition as "Damera". Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross in the fourth century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 17 Ethiopian calendar (September 27 Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross. The celebration of Meskel signifies the presence of the True Cross at mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolises the events carried out by Empress Helena.Meskel is celebrated by dancing, feasting and lighting a massive bonfire known in Ethiopian tradition as "Damera". Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross in the fourth century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 17 Ethiopian calendar (September 27 Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross.

TIMKET / EPIPHANY

Timket (Epiphany) is one of the greatest festival in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church calendar. It commemorates Christ's Baptism by Saint John in the Jordan River. Timket is celebrated in Ethiopia on January 11 Ethiopian calendar (January 19 Gregorian calendar), two weeks after Ledet (Ethiopian Christmas), beginning on the Eve of Timket with colourful processions and ceremonies ending on the January 12 (January 20 Gregorian calendar). In Timket, Tella and Tej are brewed, special bread is baked called "Himbash" (in Tigrigna) "Ambasha" (in Amharic), and sheep are slaughtered to mark the three-day celebration.

Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)

Genna, celebrated on January 7, is Ethiopia’s traditional Christmas holiday. Unlike the commercialized versions seen elsewhere, Genna is deeply spiritual, marked by vibrant church services, ancient chants, and processions that fill the night with a sense of devotion. Villages and towns come alive as people gather in white cotton garments to attend mass, share special meals, and celebrate with family and community. In rural areas, a traditional game also called “Genna,” similar to hockey, is played, adding excitement to the festivities. This holiday offers travelers a chance to witness Ethiopia’s rich Orthodox Christian traditions and centuries-old heritage.

Ashenda

Ashenda is a joyful cultural festival celebrated by young women in northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray and Amhara regions, during August. It marks the end of a two-week fast dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Girls dress in colorful traditional attire, wear beautifully braided hairstyles, and gather in groups to sing, dance, and play drums in the streets. The word “Ashenda” refers to the tall grass that girls wear around their waists as part of their costume. The festival is not only a vibrant display of music and culture but also a celebration of womanhood, freedom, and community pride.