What to Know About Ethiopia’s Christmas Celebration Yesterday

While most of the world wrapped up their Christmas festivities nearly two weeks ago, Ethiopia celebrated Christmas just yesterday. Their celebration, known as Genna, is an important part of the country’s culture and has its own distinct traditions, different from what many are accustomed to.

Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which places Christmas on January 7th, rather than the widely recognized December 25th. This means that when the rest of the world was packing away their Christmas decorations, Ethiopians were just beginning their holiday.

The celebration kicks off the night before Christmas, with a stunning candlelight service on Christmas Eve. On the evening of January 6th, the Bole Medhan Alem Church in Addis Ababa—the largest cathedral in Ethiopia—was filled with worshippers who came to mark this sacred occasion. 

Similar ceremonies took place across the country, with people gathering at their local churches for a night of prayer and celebration.

As part of the tradition, worshippers dress in white, traditional attire. Women wear long, embroidered dresses that flow to the floor, while men are seen in long shirts. During the service, worshippers take part in a beautiful procession around the church, each holding a lit candle. 

The air is filled with hymns sung by choirs and the melodies of traditional instruments, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The priest leads the procession, blessing everyone in attendance as they make their way through the crowd.

This annual candlelight tradition is one of the highlights of Ethiopia’s Christmas, drawing people from all over the world to witness this unique and spiritual celebration. It’s widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking communal events in the world.

The following day, January 7th, marks the day of Christmas in Ethiopia. After attending church services, the real fun begins—starting with food! While many cultures have their own festive dishes, Ethiopia has its own standout: Doro Wat. This flavorful stew, made with chicken, vegetables, and boiled eggs, is a must-have during Christmas. 

The dish is paired with injera, a soft, sour flatbread that acts as both food and a utensil to scoop up the delicious stew. To wash it down, Ethiopians often drink a special barley-based beverage, making the meal even more festive.

But the fun doesn’t stop with food. Ethiopians also enjoy a variety of traditional games and activities on Christmas. One of the most popular is Ye Genna Chewata, a game similar to hockey, where players use curved sticks to hit a wooden ball. Legend has it that the game originated from the joy of the shepherds who, upon hearing the news of Jesus’ birth, began playing with objects they could toss into the air.

For those looking for something more daring, yeferas guks is a horseback sport where men throw ceremonial lances at each other, testing their skill and bravery. It’s a thrilling spectacle, showcasing both athleticism and tradition.

Do you know that, while the world celebrated the start of 2025, Ethiopia is still living in 2017 due to its own unique calendar system!

In a country where culture and religion intertwine so deeply, Ethiopia’s Christmas celebration is a vibrant reflection of its rich history. From the candlelit processions to the delicious food and exciting games, Genna is a celebration that brings people together in a truly special way. If you ever have the chance to visit during the holiday season, it’s an experience you won’t forget!