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Festival trips

The days Ethiopia comes out into the streets

At Timket, priests carry the tabot through the city under embroidered umbrellas, and crowds in white follow them through the night. At Meskel, a bonfire several storeys high is lit in the middle of Addis.

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The calendar

Plan around the days that matter

  1. 7January

    Genna, Ethiopian Christmas

    An overnight service by candlelight on the 6th, then a day of feasting.

  2. 19January

    Timket, Epiphany

    Processions on the evening of the 18th, a blessing with water on the 19th, celebrations through the 20th.

  3. 2March

    Adwa Victory Day

    Commemorations of the 1896 victory, centred on Menelik Square in Addis.

  4. SpringDate varies

    Fasika, Easter

    A late-night service ends a 55-day fast, followed by a large family meal.

  5. 11September

    Enkutatash, New Year

    Yellow meskel daisies, children singing door to door, the start of the Ethiopian year.

  6. 27September

    Meskel

    The Demera bonfire in Meskel Square on the evening of the 26th, recognised by UNESCO.

  7. NovEvery year

    Great Ethiopian Run

    A 10-kilometre road race through Addis with tens of thousands of runners.

Dates follow the Ethiopian calendar and occasionally shift by a day. We confirm every date when you book.

Festival departures

Small groups, fixed dates

Every festival trip includes airport pickup, hotels, a guide, ground transport and our team on WhatsApp.

  1. Addis Ababa

    Great Ethiopian Run and Thanksgiving

    Next date
    Nov 21, 2026
    Length
    6 days, 5 nights
    From
    USD 1,495
    Hold my place: Great Ethiopian Run and Thanksgiving

  2. Addis Ababa

    Christmas and New Year in Ethiopia

    Next date
    Dec 26, 2026
    Length
    9 days, 8 nights
    From
    USD 2,295
    Hold my place: Christmas and New Year in Ethiopia

  3. Addis Ababa

    Genna in Addis Ababa

    Next date
    Jan 05, 2027
    Length
    4 days, 3 nights
    From
    USD 1,195
    Hold my place: Genna in Addis Ababa

  4. Addis Ababa

    Timket in Addis Ababa

    Next date
    Jan 17, 2027
    Length
    4 days, 3 nights
    From
    USD 1,295
    Hold my place: Timket in Addis Ababa

  5. Addis Ababa

    Fasika: Ethiopian Easter

    Next date
    Apr 29, 2027
    Length
    4 days, 3 nights
    From
    USD 1,195
    Hold my place: Fasika: Ethiopian Easter

  6. Addis Ababa

    Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year

    Next date
    Sep 09, 2027
    Length
    5 days, 4 nights
    From
    USD 1,095
    Hold my place: Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year

  7. Addis Ababa

    Meskel in Addis Ababa

    Next date
    Sep 25, 2027
    Length
    5 days, 4 nights
    From
    USD 1,295
    Hold my place: Meskel in Addis Ababa

  8. Bishoftu

    Irreecha

    Next date
    Oct 01, 2027
    Length
    3 days, 2 nights
    From
    USD 795
    Hold my place: Irreecha

  9. Lalibela

    Genna in Lalibela

    Next date
    Dates on request
    Length
    6 days, 5 nights
    From
    USD 1,695
    Hold my place: Genna in Lalibela

  10. Gondar

    Timket in Gondar

    Next date
    Dates on request
    Length
    6 days, 5 nights
    From
    USD 1,895
    Hold my place: Timket in Gondar

See all festival trips

How to take part respectfully

Religious occasions first

We’ll tell you what to wear (white or pale clothing is appreciated), where photography is welcome and where it isn’t, and how to join in without getting in the way.

Plan with us

Book festivals early

Hotels in Addis fill up months before Timket and Meskel. Ask about dates now.

Book a free call See festival trips