Christmas Day in Ethiopia

A religious feast and a public holiday

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church identifies Christmas as a major feast and calls it Gena or Liddet. Its calendar places the feast on Tahsas 29. The Church describes it as marking the reality of Christ’s birth, and says it is preceded by a Christmas fast.[2]

Ethiopia’s Public Holidays Proclamation No. 1334/2024 lists Christmas among the religious holidays celebrated at national level. It provides for government and non-government institutions to close for public service on religious holidays, while employees retain their salary for the day. The proclamation also allows labour and civil-service rules to govern work that must continue.[3]

Church services and the Christmas game

Church worship is central to Genna. The Ethiopian News Agency reports that Christians attend all-night prayer services on the eve, with singing, chanting and sermons. At Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo churches, worshippers may hear the kebero drum and tsenatsel sistrum accompanying the music.[1]

A traditional game called Genna or Yegena Chawata is played outdoors around Christmas. ENA describes it as resembling field hockey: players use wooden sticks to hit a hard wooden ball. The agency reports that the game is common among young people in rural areas and rare in urban areas.[1]

Lalibela is a notable destination for the feast. ENA reports that pilgrims and tourists visit its rock-hewn churches for Christmas, and Ethiopia’s embassy has also described the churches’ celebration as distinctive.[1][4]

Fasting and festive meals

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church describes a 40-day fast before Christmas, beginning with Sibket and ending on Christmas Eve. Its account says the fast is a period of spiritual preparation. Fasting practice applies to church members; it should not be taken to describe every Ethiopian’s observance.[2]

After the fast, families and friends gather for a festive meal. ENA reports meals that often include Doro Wet, a spicy chicken stew served with injera and vegetarian dishes. It also describes women preparing bread and drinks such as tella and tej for the occasion.[1]

What to expect on the holiday

The public-holiday proclamation requires government and non-government institutions to close for public service, subject to work required by law. It specifically provides for essential services, including hospitals, health centres, clinics and pharmacies, to continue. Hotels, cafes, restaurants, groceries, shops and some other venues may operate, so opening hours can vary.[3]

Travelers should check local transport and venue arrangements directly, especially when visiting churches or Lalibela during the celebrations.[3][4]