HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL

Year after year Christians recall the story of the Christchild in a manger, shepherds on Judean hills witnessing the celestial song of angels as they pronounced the Long Expected One had come.
C elebrated on January 7th and preceded by a fast of 40 days, on the eve of Christmas people gather in churches for mass that lasts about 3 hours.

The clergy and "Debtera" (scholars versed in liturgy and music of the church) lift their voices in hymns and chant just as it has been for over a thousand years when Ethiopia accepted Christianity.

After mass, the fast is broken so the clergy and crowd alike disperse to their homes to feast. Food and drink is plentiful, with many homes preparing special meals that are characteristic to all big festivities highlighted on the Ethiopian calendar.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Jan 03-arrive Addis
Day 02 - Jan 04-fly to Bahir Dar
Day 03 - Jan 05-fly to Gondar
Day 04 - Jan 06-In Gondar - excursion to Simiem
Day 05 - Jan 07-fly to Lalibela (Christmas Day Celebration)
Day 06 - Jan 08-in Lalibela (Christmas Day Celebration)
Day 07 - Jan 09-fly to Axum
Day 08 - Jan 10-fly to Addis
Day 09 - Jan 11-fly to Dire Dawa; drive to Harar
Day 10 - Jan 12-drive to Dire Dawa; fly to Addis
Day 11 - Jan 13- departure