Genna Lalibela

ገና ላሊበላ

View on map
Religious & SpiritualLalibela
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
CrowdMassiveAbout 1M people
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageGenna at Lalibela combines a UNESCO-listed
LanguageAmharic and regional languagesCurrency: ETB
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Genna Lalibela in Lalibela

Genna, Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas on 7 January by the Gregorian calendar, turns Lalibela's rock-hewn churches into the country's largest Christmas pilgrimage, with white-shawled worshippers filling sunken courtyards before dawn for chanted liturgy. A traditional stick-and-ball game of the same name adds a livelier, secular counterpoint to the night's devotion.

Genna, the Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas held on 29 Tahsas in the Ge'ez calendar which lands on 7 January by the Gregorian calendar, transforms Lalibela's cluster of rock-hewn churches into the country's largest single Christmas pilgrimage gathering.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Genna at Lalibela combines a UNESCO-listed architectural setting, churches carved downward into volcanic rock and linked by tunnels and sunken courtyards, with a pilgrimage scale that has at times reached well into the hundreds of thousands, an unusual pairing found nowhere else in Ethiopia's Christmas observance

02

The mystery stays covered

Priests carrying ornate processional crosses and umbrellas lead chant accompanied by sistra and drums through the confined rock-cut spaces, while outside, the traditional genna stick-and-ball game, which gives the holiday its popular name, plays out in open ground as a separate, livelier tradition

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Pilgrims often wear white cotton netela shawls

Water and renewal

Living ritual

priests lead chant with processional crosses

The sacred route

Living ritual

and boys play a traditional stick-and-ball game called genna in open ground nearby

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

White traditional shawls are common among pilgrims though not required of visitors; warm layers are essential for cold pre-dawn hours, with easily removable shoes for church entrances.

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

ETB

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map12.03 N, 39.05 EOpen in Google Maps

Lalibela, Amhara, Ethiopia

Nearest airportMQX — Mekele Alula Aba Nega
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Lalibela via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Lalibela, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearWhite traditional shawls are common among pilgrims though not required of visitors; warm layers are essential for cold pre-dawn hours, with easily removable shoes for church entrances.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ethiopia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Genna Lalibela?

Genna Lalibela is listed for Past edition: 7 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Genna Lalibela take place?

The festival is listed in Lalibela, Ethiopia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Lalibela, Amhara, Ethiopia

How big is it?

Massive: 1000000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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