Ethiopian Christmas, known as Genna or Ledet in Amharic, is celebrated on January 7th each year according to the Gregorian calendar, which corresponds to the 29th of Tahsas in the Ethiopian calendar. During Genna, traditional games like Genna (a game similar to hockey), special church services with unique Ethiopian liturgy, and communal meals featuring dishes like injera, doro wot, and tej (honey wine) are prominent. Attendees usually wear traditional white clothing known as shamma. regardless of where you celebrate, embracing the food, music, and customs of Ethiopian Christmas will provide you with an authentic and memorable experience:
- Lalibela, Ethiopia – Famous for its rock-hewn churches, Lalibela is a significant pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, especially during Genna.
- Gondar, Ethiopia – Known for its castles and churches, Gondar offers colorful Christmas celebrations, with liturgical chants and processions being a significant part of the traditions.
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The capital city has many Orthodox Christian churches where Christmas liturgies are performed, and you can also enjoy various cultural events around the city.
- Aksum, Ethiopia – Aksum, which is believed to be home to the Ark of the Covenant, is another significant place for religious festivals, including Genna.
- Washington D.C – Home to one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside of Ethiopia, Washington D.C. offers religious services and community gatherings for Ethiopian Christmas.
- Los Angeles – Another city with a sizeable Ethiopian expat community, Los Angeles hosts special events and church services for Genna.
- Toronto – With a growing Ethiopian community, Toronto celebrates Ethiopian Christmas with church services and social events featuring traditional Ethiopian food and music.
- London – The Ethiopian community in London comes together to celebrate Genna with religious and cultural events reflective of their traditions.
- Melbourne – Ethiopians in Melbourne commemorate Genna with church services and community gatherings, sharing traditional Ethiopian feasts.
- Addis Mercato, Ethiopia – For a less formal celebration, visit Addis Mercato in Addis Ababa during Christmas time for an authentic Ethiopian market experience.
