we are happy to host you in our beautiful country for the coming Millinnium-Ethiopia 2000! E-mail us
  

 
 
 
 
 
 
UNIQUE DESTINATIONS
 
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FESTIVALS OF ETHIOPIA
 
     
Ethiopia comprises more than 80 different ethnic groups, the heritage and traditions of each blending to form a unique and colorful cultural mosaic. Traditions are proudly maintained. Christianity, Islam and other religions are practiced according to the time-honored customs of their ancestors. Such ethnic diversity translates into a fascinating sight seeing experience for travelers, who will marvel at the art and architectural treasures created during the course of the country's long cultural evolution.
 
THE FINDING OF THE TRUE CROSS

The Maskal festivals commemorate the discovery of the True Cross. Every year, in the last week of September,
the streets of Addis Ababa come alive as tens thousands of residents don their national dress and light dry twigs tied in bundles to commemorate the discovery of the Cross Of Christ. But for those devout and patriotic Ethiopians who live far from home, the feisty festival of Maskal is never forgotten. After all, the 'True Cross'-or at least several pieces of it-still resides in their homeland
 
     
 

Ethiopian Christmas

While excitement over Christmas festivities dies down in the other parts of the world, it marks the beginning for many Ethiopians.
The name 'Genna' is used to refer to the nativity because the shepherds to whom the Angel heralded the birth of Christ were playing Genna, traditional Hockey, at the time.

FEAST OF EPIPHANY-TIMKAT

On the eve of 18th January, priests move the tabot, replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, from each church to a nearby body of water where the water in the pool is blessed. Gondar is the best place to be on Timkat.Several beautiful traditional and religious events, which are celebrated by its diversified ethnic groups living with their picturesque native lives in their most natural background.
Kiddus Yohannes, Enkutatash (New Year)- 11 September.


Ethiopian New Year falls in September at the big rains. The sun comes out to shine all day long creating an atmosphere of dazzling clarity and fresh clean air. The highland turns to gold as the Meskel daisies burst out in their entire splendor. Traditionally new clothes are bought and worn, particularly by children, and relatives and friends are visited.

Children clad in brand new clothes- dance through the villages giving bouquets of flowers and painted Saints & Angels Pictures to each house hold. Special feasts are prepared. The traditional game of Gugs can sometimes be seen. The day is called Enkutatash meaning, "gift of jewels".

When the famous Queen of Sheba returned from her visit of King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her by replenishing her treasury with enku or jewels. The spring festivals has been celebrated since these early times and as the rains comes to their abrupt end, dancing and singing can be heard at every village in green countryside. After dark in New Years eve people light fires outside their houses.
 
 
     

Awqash Tour and Travel Agency   
      P.O.Box 23455 Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Tel 251-111-577302/577303/577304  
   Cell Phone 251-911-209412 
  Fax 251-111-577305
 E-mail:-awqashtour@ethionet.et
awqashtravel@ethionet.et
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