Christmas Celebrated with Grandeur in Lalibela, Attracting Local and International Visitors

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian Christmas, also known as Genna, was celebrated with grandeur in the historic town of Lalibela in the Amhara region, drawing thousands of local and international visitors to witness the festive events.

His Eminence Abune Ermias, Archbishop of North and South Wollo and Kemise Diocese and member of the Holy Synod of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, presided over the celebrations alongside other bishops and invited guests. The festivities began on the evening of January 6 and continued into the morning of January 7, marking one of the most important religious occasions in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church calendar.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Fantu Tesfaye, Speaker of the Amhara Regional State Council, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting and preserving the Lalibela monolithic churches and maintaining their timeless cultural and religious significance.

She highlighted the importance of combining heritage conservation with development efforts, stating that today’s generation bears the responsibility of both safeguarding the living relics and traditions of Ethiopia’s ancestors and creating a new collective history.

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Tourism, Mr. Seleshi Girma, underlined the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism sector by promoting new destinations while preserving historical sites.

He noted that registering several relics as UNESCO World Heritage Sites is part of the broader strategy to maximize the sector’s benefits. Mr. Seleshi added that grand celebrations like those in Lalibela provide an opportunity to showcase Ethiopia’s cultural and religious heritage to the world.

Archbishops attending the celebration also called on Ethiopians to foster unity, love, and solidarity, stressing that these values are essential for sustaining peace and national cohesion.

Across the country, Ethiopian Christians observed Christmas with religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and charitable activities, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural significance of Genna in Ethiopia’s religious calendar.