Christmas arrives in Ethiopia
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Ethiopian pilgrims pray during a Mass service for Ethiopian Christmas at the Bole Medhane Alem cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Ethiopia, one of the first nations to embrace Christianity, continues to honor its deep religious roots, with its celebrations of Orthodox Christmas standing as a testament to its enduring commitment to faith. This year, thousands of Ethiopian pilgrims and international visitors gathered in the historic town of Lalibela, known for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches, to celebrate Orthodox Christmas at one of the world’s most unique and ancient religious sites.
Lalibela, a town that holds great significance in Ethiopian Christianity, is home to remarkable churches that were carved directly into solid rock during the reign of King Lalibela. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites have become a major pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians each year, with their stunning architecture serving as a physical reminder of Ethiopia’s long-standing connection to Christianity. It is here that the Orthodox Christian tradition comes alive, attracting worshippers from both Ethiopia and abroad.
Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christmas, known as “Lidet,” is celebrated on January 7th, in accordance with the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar followed by Catholics and Protestants. The three-day festival is filled with religious ceremonies, traditional rituals, and family gatherings. This year, the celebrations in Lalibela were no different, as thousands of people attended church services to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, showcasing Ethiopia’s unwavering devotion to its Christian heritage.
Among the visitors was Samuel Choi, a tourist from Hong Kong, who was deeply moved by the rich cultural and spiritual significance of the occasion. “You have such a wonderful, rich heritage. It’s very unique in the world,” Choi said. “There are no other places where I feel so free, where people gather for one reason: to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And so I’m very thrilled and very happy to be in Ethiopia.” His sentiments reflect the awe that many visitors feel when they witness the unity and reverence that Ethiopians maintain in their religious practices.
For Ethiopian pilgrims like Masresha Misgana, the celebration of Orthodox Christmas is more than just a religious observance—it is a deeply rooted annual tradition that connects them to their faith’s historical origins. “King Lalibela constructed these churches and heritage sites in the 12th century, creating the second Jerusalem in Africa,” Misgana explained. “Each year, Christians come to visit this second Jerusalem to celebrate, and we also join in the festivities.” For these pilgrims, the celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of both the location and the faith that unites them.
The experience of celebrating Christmas in Ethiopia is one that is enriched by centuries-old traditions. John Mike, a tourist from Jamaica, described his experience: “Some of the clothes, instruments, and traditions are the same as they have been for many hundreds of years. It’s very historical. Even this morning, when we were downstairs in the church and we looked outside, we didn’t know it was 2025. It could have been anytime from the last thousand years. Lalibela is a place where the ancient and the modern come together.” This statement speaks to the timeless nature of Ethiopia’s Christmas celebrations, where ancient customs and modern visitors converge to create a unique cultural experience.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Christmas is marked by vibrant religious rituals that are deeply embedded in the country’s religious identity. One of the most significant practices is the midnight mass, which is attended by large crowds of worshippers, many of whom have fasted for weeks in preparation for the feast. Families come together to share a meal, celebrating the occasion with a sense of unity and joy. Traditionally, Ethiopians slaughter goats or cattle, offering them as part of a festive feast and symbolizing the sharing of the Christmas joy with family and friends.
In addition to the religious rituals, the celebration of Orthodox Christmas in Ethiopia also reflects the country’s emphasis on preserving cultural traditions. The distinctive food, music, and attire that characterize the event showcase the country’s deep connection to its religious and cultural heritage. For many Ethiopians, Lidet is not only a time to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ but also an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage, faith, and community.
The celebration of Orthodox Christmas in Ethiopia serves as a reminder of the country’s long-standing Christian tradition and the significance of Lalibela as a spiritual center. As the town of Lalibela continues to attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world, it remains a symbol of Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to its Christian faith and its rich cultural heritage. With its breathtaking rock-hewn churches and centuries-old traditions, Ethiopia’s Christmas celebrations offer a unique and profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of one of the world’s oldest Christian nations.
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