About Ethiopia

The Cradle of Man

History of Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a rich history dating back before Ancient Greece and Rome, with scientists believing it is the cradle of mankind based on hominid fossils like “Lucy” and “Ardi”. Axum, a 3000 year old city, was the capital of the Queen of Sheba’s kingdom and Ethiopians believe the Ark of the Covenant was brought there by her son Menelik I. Ethiopia had strong trade links with Egypt, Greece and Rome as one of the greatest merchant nations, with the Egyptians knowing their Nile originated from a lake in “Punt”. After Axumite Empire decline, rulers included those who built Lalibela’s churches and made Gondar an artistic center, as well as Menelik II who expanded Ethiopia’s borders and defeated Italian invaders, and Haile Selassie who reigned until revolution. Historical sources evidence a rich pre-Christian kingdom ruled from Axum controlling trade routes, with its own language and coins while ancient monuments remain in churches and monasteries across the country. Modern Ethiopia is a mosaic of 80 ethnic groups coexisting in Addis Ababa, now Africa’s diplomatic capital

Bright, Colorful and Picture Perfect

Incredible Festivals & Holidays

According to legend, Menelik I, the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, went to visit his father in Jerusalem, and he brought back to Ethiopia the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets God had given to Moses and is said to be still preserved in Axum. Every Ethiopian church contains a copy of the Ark of the Covenant, called “Tabot”. During some religious ceremonies these copies are hidden in heavy and colorful brocades and carried in processions. The religious festivals of the Ethiopian Orthodox church are a highlight of the Ethiopian calendar with ceremonies held throughout the country.

Gena (Ethiopian Christmas)

7 January

The colorful ceremony of Christmas Eve is held within the unforgettable rock hewn churches of Lalibela. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Lalibela for two reasons: To celebrate Christmas and the birthday of former priest King Lalibela. With chanting and dancing led by Lalibela priests, the people sing with joy along to rhythmic drum beats to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Eve of Timket (Epiphany)

18 January

The holy Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, is taken from each church to a central area accompanied by priests bearing prayer sticks followed by keen believers ringing bells, blowing trumpets and carrying incense burners.

Timket Baptism of Christ

19 January

The festival commemorates Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Priests sprinkle holy water over the Christians present and receive the renewals of their vows. The congregation then follows the bishops, elders and clergy as the Tabot is carried back to the church. Fasiladas’ bath in Gondar is the best place to experience the colorful celebration of Timket It is hilarious see hundreds of pilgrims jump into the water of Fasilidas bath at the end of the celebration.

Hosanna (Palm Sunday)

28 April

The Sunday before Easter is the Feast of Hosanna or known as Palm Sunday. It commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ with his disciples into Jerusalem. People welcomed Jesus by spreading palm branches. Axum has a colorful procession for Hosanna which is worth a visit.

Fasika (Ethiopian Easter)

05 May

Ethiopian Easter is conducted in remembrance of the fasting, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus. A fascinating all night prayer vigil is available at all Orthodox Churches. Addis Ababa’s Holy Trinity, Axum, and Lalibela church are particularly special.

Buhe (Transfiguration Feast)

19 August

Buhe commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. After the mass, people of the neighborhood tie a bundle of sticks together to make a chibo (stick bundle) are burned with participants singing, similar to Meskel.

Meskel (Finding of The Cross)

28 September

This vibrant national holiday has been observed throughout the country by Ethiopian Christians for over 1,600 years. It commemorates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, by the Empress Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great. On the eve of Meskel there is a celebration held at Meskel Square. Tall branches are tied together and yellow daisies, popularly called Meskel flowers, are placed on top before the bonfire is lit.

Hidar Tsion

01 December

From around 200 BC to 700 AD, Axum was the seat of an Empire which extended across the Red Sea to Arabia, traded with India and China, had its own alphabet and constructed great engineering works. In the 4th century Axum was considered to be one of the four great powers of the ancient world. The Mariam Tsion church in Axum is said to house of the Ark of the Covenant. The ceremony at Mariam Tsion sees pilgrims from all over the country come to express thanks after the fulfillment of a wish, or in the hope of miraculous cure.