Events & Festivals in Ethiopia

Celebrated on January 7th, Gena is a major religious holiday marked by church services, feasting, and the traditional game of Gena (a hockey-like sport). In Lalibela, thousands of white-robed pilgrims gather at the rock-hewn churches for an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Ethiopia's most spectacular festival, commemorating the baptism of Christ. The first day features processions of Tabots (replicas of the Ark), singing, and dancing. The second day celebrates the baptism at a water source, followed by joyful feasts.

A week-long festival celebrating the cultural heritage of the Lake Tana region and the Blue Nile. Includes boat races on the lake, traditional music from the Zege peninsula, handicraft markets, and environmental awareness events.

A major international marathon starting and finishing at the Addis Ababa Stadium. It attracts elite runners aiming for fast times at altitude and offers a challenging course through the capital's streets.

A major platform for African and international cinema, featuring film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and masterclasses with filmmakers. It focuses on promoting dialogue and cultural exchange through the art of film.

One of Africa's largest multi-sectoral trade fairs, showcasing Ethiopian and international companies in industry, agriculture, technology, and services. A hub for business networking and seeing Ethiopia's economic growth firsthand.

A national holiday celebrating Ethiopia's historic 1896 victory over Italy, a seminal event in African history. Marked by patriotic speeches, parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions across the country.

One of Ethiopia's biggest road races, attracting elite international and local runners. Features full marathon, half marathon, and 10K races through the streets of the capital, promoting fitness and city pride.

A deeply solemn and joyous celebration following 55 days of fasting. Midnight church services are followed by a massive feast at dawn featuring doro wat (chicken stew), injera, and tej (honey wine).

A colorful cultural festival primarily celebrated in the Tigray and Amhara regions. Girls and young women dress in traditional costumes, sing and dance in the streets, going from house to house to receive small gifts and blessings.

A active national festival where large bonfires (Demera) are lit the evening before. The next day is marked by colorful processions, hymns, and dancing around the ashes, symbolizing Queen Helena's discovery of the cross.

Celebrates the Ethiopian New Year and the end of the rainy season. Families gather, children wear new clothes and sing songs for small gifts. Homes are decorated with yellow daisies (Adey Abeba), symbolizing renewal and hope.

A UNESCO-listed New Year celebration of the Sidama people. Involves the sharing of traditional foods like Bursame (fermented butter), the drinking of coffee, the singing of folklore, and rituals performed by elders to bless the community.

A massive annual thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people, celebrating the end of the rainy season and giving thanks to Waaqa (God). Millions gather at Lake Hora Arsadi (Bishoftu) and other sites for chanting, singing, and holding green grass and flowers.

An important Islamic holiday marked by large, peaceful processions through city streets, especially in Harar and Addis Ababa. People chant prayers, carry banners, and listen to religious teachings in a spirit of devotion.

Africa's largest 10km road race, founded by Haile Gebrselassie. A carnival-like atmosphere with tens of thousands of participants in colorful t-shirts, live music, and massive crowds lining the route through Addis Ababa.

Celebrates Ethiopia as the birthplace of coffee. Features traditional coffee ceremonies, barista competitions, cupping sessions, seminars on sustainable farming, and a marketplace for local roasters and producers.

A multi-day celebration of Ethiopia's diverse music traditions, from traditional azmari and folk to contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and pop. Features both established stars and emerging artists on multiple stages.

The first and premier international photography festival in East Africa. Exhibitions, workshops, portfolio reviews, and projections showcase the work of African and international photographers across Addis Ababa.

One of Ethiopia's largest pilgrimages, where hundreds of thousands trek to the Church of St. Gabriel in Kulubi to fulfill vows or seek blessings. A profound mix of devotion, endurance, and street-level energy with vendors and musicians.