Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country in the African continent; undoubtedly the country is economically backward but nevertheless culturally rich with traditions and heritage. The country accounts to be the one of the most populated ones in the world. People of different ethnicities live in the country; about 61% of the total population is Christian. The Muslim population consists of 33% while the rest is accounted for by others. Celebrations and festivals play an important role in the cultural landscape of the people and the nation. Some of the important are the Timkat-Feast, Maskal, Buhe, Enkutatash and Kullubi, the feast of St. Gabriel.

Celebrationsonnet presents the description of some of the important festivals that are celebrated in Ethiopia. Timkat, Feast of the Epiphany: The festival is mainly celebrated in the month of January every year. The date generally sticks to 19th of January. The festival is observed for three days and is held just after the Ethiopian Christmas. The celebration starts with bright and colorful procession, which traverses different corners of the streets. The festival is celebrated with true spirit and utmost enjoyments.

Maskal: The Maskal festival comes on the 19th of March every year. The main aim of the festival is to commemorate the contributions of Empress Helena. The main incident dates back to a long time back when Empress Helena the mother of Constantine the Great, who found out the original cross on which Jesus was crucified. The festival is marked with prayers to Helena and then merry makings.

Buhe: The Buhe comes in the month of August every year at the time of the monsoon. Breads are baked and served to neighbors and relatives.

Enkutatash: The New Year of the Ethiopians is known as the Enkutatash, celebrated with all sorts of merry makings and exorbitant customs. The New Year marks the beginning of a happy phase in the lives of the Ethiopians.

Kullubi, The Feast of St Gabriel: St. Gabriel one of the most famous Patron priest of the Christians staying in Ethiopia. This is a religious festival which comes on the 28th of December. People from far away distance visit churches and express their wishes to St. Gabriel. The most important church for this purpose is the Church on the terrace farm land in Kullubi.