Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (FMC) — Addis Ababa-based embassies and international organizations have extended warm greetings to Ethiopians celebrating Ethiopian Christmas, also known as Genna, highlighting peace, unity, and goodwill on the occasion.
Diplomatic missions from across the world, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Iran, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Switzerland, Germany, the United States, Ireland, Israel, Australia, Sri Lanka, Burundi, Armenia, Djibouti, and Canada, conveyed their best wishes to Ethiopia’s Christian community.
The British Embassy wished “a happy Ethiopian Christmas – Genna – to all our friends and partners celebrating today,” while the Swedish Embassy highlighted a cultural celebration, hosting a friendly “YeGenna Chewata” game with neighbors to mark Genna and commemorate 80 years of Ethiopia-Sweden friendship.
The US and Israeli embassies extended heartfelt wishes for a joyful and peaceful Christmas. The Canadian, Indian, and Turkish embassies emphasized unity, blessings, and happiness.
The Bangladesh Embassy marked the occasion by handing out personal gifts to Ethiopian staff members, and the Irish Embassy shared a festive video exploring the similarities between Ye’gena Chewata and Irish hurling.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka called on the spirit of Genna to inspire peace, compassion, and unity across Ethiopia and beyond.
Additional embassies, including those of Armenia, Djibouti, Australia, Switzerland, Pakistan, Iran, Germany, and Burundi, also sent greetings, highlighting the holiday’s cultural and spiritual significance.
The international community also joined in sending their best wishes. The IGAD Secretariat and Secretary-General Workneh Gebeyehu, the United Nations in Ethiopia, UNHCR Ethiopia, IOM Ethiopia, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Ethiopia country office, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) all extended messages wishing Ethiopians a peaceful and joyful Christmas.
Through these greetings, the diplomatic and international community in Addis Ababa reaffirmed their respect for Ethiopia’s Christian community, celebrated the nation’s rich cultural and religious traditions, and promoted goodwill, solidarity, and festive spirit on the occasion of Genna.