Fixed departure date: 2-9 January 2027

Ethiopian Orthodox Church follows the Gregorian calendar as opposed to the Julian calendar that Western civilizations or most parts of the world follow. Christmas, or “Genna,” is no exception to that. While, in most countries, it falls on the 25th of December, in Ethiopia it is celebrated on the 7th of January. The focal point of this tour will be the Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations held in Lalibela. The ceremony will be held at Bete Mariam Church, where chants will be held by deacons and priests throughout the night. At midnight, long orange candles called “twaf” made from beeswax will be lit at midnight to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. At sunrise, chants will continue up to 9 am.

The ceremony will be held at Bete Mariam Church, where chants will be held by deacons and priests throughout the night. At midnight, long orange candles called “twaf” made from beeswax will be lit at midnight to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. At sunrise, chants will continue up to 9 am.