Now registered with UNESCO as an element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Meskel (27 September) commemorates the alleged 4th-century discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The centerpiece of this uniquely Ethiopian festival is the burning of a massive conical pyre called a Damera. The largest ceremony takes place in […]
Genna is Ethiopian Christmas and coincides with other Orthodox Christmas celebrations around the world. The feast marks the end of the 40-day fasting period of Advent. On Christmas Eve, the faithful participate in church services through the night before celebrating with family and friends on Christmas day.
Ethiopians follow a 13-month calendar similar to that used in many Eastern Orthodox churches, trailing the Western calendar by seven years and eight months. On the Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian New Year falls on the 11th of September. According to the bible, God created the earth in September, and legend has it that King Solomon […]
In the eve fly to Axum and tonight attend the eve ceremony at the Zion (Mariam Tsion) church whereas legend has it the original Ark of Covenant is housed. The following day early morning, attend the colorful church ceremony at Mariam Tsion; pilgrims from all over the country come to express thanks after the fulfillment of […]
