Ethiopian Cultural Events
Ethiopia has an extensive history and a rich cultural tradition. There are many Ethiopian cultural events throughout the year which combine both religious and secular elements. Celebrations such as Enkutatash, Meskal, Genna and Timket are traditional Ethiopian cultural events celebrated throughout the country. Ethiopia still employs the Julian calendar instead of the Western calendar, so the dates these events take place will be different from the standard Western calendar.
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Enkutatash
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Enkutatash is the Ethiopian New Year and occurs in September. The new year is celebrated with singing and dancing at the end of the seasonal rains. The tradition is said to have begun when the Queen of Sheba returned from visiting King Solomon of Jerusalem and was given jewels by the local chiefs. On New Year's Eve, torches made of wood and leaves are lit in front of houses accompanied by singing. The city of Gaynt is home of the largest religious celebration of the holiday. Today, urban Ethiopians celebrate the holiday by exchanging New Year's cards.
Meskal
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Meskal, or the Finding of the True Cross, celebrates the discovery of the cross Christ was crucified on. The event takes place on September 27th. On the eve of Meskal, revelers plant a green tree in the town square or marketplace. They bring large poles covered with daisies, known as Meskal flowers, to create a pyramid around the tree. During the festival, the tree is lit on fire to symbolize how Empress Helena lit incense and prayed when searching for the cross.
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Genna
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Ethiopian Christmas, traditionally called Lidet, occurs on January 7th. Ethiopians spend the day and night attending church services at several churches in their area. The day is more commonly known as Genna because men play a hockey-like game of that name on Christmas.
Timket
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The feast of the Epiphany, known as Timket, takes place on January 19th. The event lasts for three days starting with a procession on the eve of the Epiphany. The Ark of the Covenant is the most sacred artifact to the Orthodox Church and on Timket eve, priests carry replicas of the Ark wrapped in silk to the nearest water body. The priests are followed by Ethiopians singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. A vigil is kept throughout the night. Christ's baptism in the Jordan River is celebrated the following day and many festival goers jump in the water after it is blessed by the priests.
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