- Living traditions, not staged shows
- Unforgettable photography (with respect)
- Meet local communities at their happiest
- Combine with nearby tours and day trips
The Ethiopian calendar: 12 months of 30 days plus a 13th month of five or six days. New Year (Enkutatash) falls on 11 September, so festival dates shift by a day in some years. We confirm exact dates when you enquire.
Enkutatash — Ethiopian New Year
Marking the dawn of Spring as highland meadows turn gold with Adey Abeba daisies. Children sing traditional songs carrying hand-drawn flower bouquets.
Meskel — Finding of the True Cross
Lighting of the towering Demera conical bonfire in Meskel Square, attended by patriarchs in gold-embroidered robes and thousands of candle-bearing pilgrims.
Irreecha — Oromo Sacred Thanksgiving
Over two million Oromo pilgrims assemble at sacred water bodies holding wet grass (Coqorsa) and wild flowers, offering thanksgiving for peace, health, and fertility.
Hidar Tsion — Ark of the Covenant Feast
Ethiopia’s premier Marian pilgrimage to Axum, the historic sanctuary of the biblical Ark of the Covenant, accompanied by night vigils and sacred relic processions.
Kulubi Gabriel — Feast of Archangel Gabriel
An extraordinary hillside gathering drawing over 100,000 pilgrims of both Christian and Muslim faiths carrying large wooden crosses and votive offerings.
Genna — Ethiopian Christmas in Lalibela
The ultimate spiritual pilgrimage: thousands of white-robed pilgrims pack the cliff rims of Bet Emanuel, chanting in candlelit harmony through the midnight Nativity vigil.
Timkat — Feast of the Epiphany
Commemorating Christ’s baptism in Jordan River. Sacred Tabots process under velvet umbrellas, culminating in a dawn water immersion ceremony at Fasilides’ historic bath.
Fasika — Ethiopian Orthodox Easter
The grand conclusion of the 55-day Great Lent (Hudadi) vegan fast. Midnight candlelight mass transitions into celebratory family banquets with spicy Doro Wat and Tej.
- Book 2–3 months ahead: hotels fill quickly
- Dress modestly; women cover shoulders and hair in church
- Ask before photographing people, priests and ceremonies
- Expect large crowds; keep valuables close
- Bring a scarf, comfortable shoes and sun protection
- Our guide stays with you throughout
When is Timkat in 2027?
Timkat is on 19 January 2027, with the eve (Ketera) processions on 18 January.
Can visitors join Meskel and Timkat?
Yes. Both are public celebrations and visitors are welcome. Our guide explains the rituals and finds good, respectful viewing spots.
Are festival dates fixed?
Most follow the Ethiopian calendar and fall on the same Gregorian date (sometimes a day later). Fichee-Chambalaalla is set each year by Sidama elders; we confirm dates when you enquire.
Can I combine a festival with other tours?
Yes. Most travellers add a day trip from Addis Ababa or a few days in the Rift Valley, the south or Harar.
Do you run fixed-date group departures?
Ask us about group dates for the next festival season; private festival tours are available on any date.