What Is the Genna Festival in Ethiopia?

Genna (also spelled Ganna) is the traditional name for Ethiopian Christmas. It is a significant religious and cultural festival, mainly for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and also Evangelical and Catholic communities of the nation.

The name "Genna" comes from the Amharic word Gennana, meaning "eminent" or "celebrated", in reference to the greatness of the festival.

When is Genna celebrated?

Genna is usually celebrated on January 7 each year, although it falls on January 8 in certain leap-year cycles of the Ethiopian and Julian calendars.

The reason: Ethiopia has its own solar calendar (the Ge'ez calendar), which is similar to the Julian calendar. In some leap-year cycles, Ethiopian Christmas is observed on January 8 instead of January 7.

Is Genna a public holiday in Ethiopia?

Yes. Most businesses, schools, and government offices will be closed on January 7, which is an official public holiday.

What are the primary acts of religion that are carried out during Genna?

Genna is highly spiritual and is the conclusion of a strict 43-day fast called Tsome Gahad (the Fast of the Prophets), during the fasting period, many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians abstain from animal products and follow Church fasting traditions.

Many worshippers wear traditional white clothing, especially the netela, during Christmas services. They go to a prolonged mass, which begins about 6:00 PM and goes until 3:00 AM on Christmas Day.

The Netela (or Shash): Many worshippers wear a traditional white cotton shawl known as a netela or shash, draped over the head and shoulders as a sign of respect.

The Candle Procession: The believers carry wax candles (tuaf) and march around the church three times, carrying out the ritual in a rhythmic and solemn manner, accompanied by chanting and traditional drums (kebero).

Where to see Genna as an International traveler?

Lalibela is a well-known pilgrimage and tourism destination in northern Ethiopia.

Can tourists actually attend Genna celebrations?
Yes, and many tourists organize tours around it. The most visited place to experience Genna is the town of Lalibela, which offers the chance to see the rock-hewn churches, attracting many pilgrims and tourists for the night-long services.

If you want to attend, book well in advance: Accommodation in Lalibela often sells out well in advance, and church services can be lengthy, so visitors should plan their trip carefully.