Ethiopia celebrated Orthodox Christmas, locally known as “Lidet”, on 7th January 2025, in a display of deep religious devotion and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Religious and Cultural Significance:
- Orthodox Christmas is a three-day festival filled with religious ceremonies, traditional music, and family gatherings.
- It is observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which follows the Julian calendar, placing the holiday 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar.
- Lalibela: The Heart of Celebrations:
- Thousands of pilgrims and international tourists gathered in Lalibela, a historic town renowned for its rock-hewn churches.
- These churches, carved out of volcanic rock in the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela, are a testament to Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage and are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
