Where History Meets Renewal: Ethiopia’s Tourism Revival and the Christmas Miracle of Lalibela

By Staff Writer 

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has long stood out as a country of extraordinary historical depth, spiritual richness, and living cultural traditions.

From ancient civilizations and rock-hewn churches to centuries-old rituals that continue uninterrupted, the nation offers an authentic experience few destinations can match. These enduring assets have firmly positioned Ethiopia as a leading global tourism destination for travelers seeking history, faith, and cultural meaning.

In recent years, tourism has emerged as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s national development agenda. Recognized for its potential to drive sustainable growth, create employment, and generate foreign exchange, the sector has received renewed policy focus and coordinated investment.

This strategic shift reflects a broader vision to transform Ethiopia’s vast cultural and natural wealth into an engine for inclusive economic development.

A key catalyst in this transformation has been the leadership-led national initiative known as “Dine for Nation,” spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The program has mobilized public participation and investment to develop new tourism lodges, upgrade existing destinations, and open previously untapped sites across the country. Beyond infrastructure development, the initiative has strengthened national ownership and pride in Ethiopia’s tourism potential.

As a result, Ethiopia is experiencing a steady rise in both domestic and international tourist arrivals. New destinations are emerging alongside historic landmarks, offering visitors a more diverse and enriching experience.

By blending its timeless heritage with modern tourism development, Ethiopia is reinforcing its position on the global tourism map while turning cultural legacy into a driver of unity and long-term prosperity.

At the heart of this growing appeal stands Lalibela, the ancient city famed for its rock-hewn churches and revered as the spiritual center of Genna, Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christmas. The city is preparing to host a spectacular celebration on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, a date when Orthodox Christians across the country mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Each year, Lalibela becomes the focal point of Ethiopian Christmas celebrations, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, priests, monks, and visitors from across Ethiopia and around the world.

Known as “Africa’s Jerusalem,” the city is home to 11 extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the symbolic River Jordan—an ambitious vision realized during the reign of King Lalibela. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lalibela’s religious ceremonies have remained remarkably unchanged for centuries.

As ENA, more than one million visitors are expected to attend this year’s Genna celebrations. The city is already welcoming large numbers of visitors ahead of the holiday, underscoring its status as Ethiopia’s top tourism destination.

This year’s celebration is anticipated to be especially vibrant, featuring solemn church services, traditional music, and cultural performances that reflect Ethiopia’s deeply rooted religious and social traditions. Pilgrims and tourists alike will gather against the breathtaking backdrop of Lalibela’s dramatic landscapes and ancient stone churches, creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality and cultural pride.

Christmas in northern Ethiopia is more than a religious observance—it is a cultural experience that seamlessly blends faith, history, and communal celebration. The occasion holds added significance as the celebration coincides with the birth anniversary of both Jesus Christ and Saint Lalibela, lending the event special grandeur and symbolism.

In preparation for the festivities, hotels, tour operators, health centers, security personnel, and other service providers have finalized arrangements to accommodate the influx of visitors, the city administration confirmed.

As Ethiopia continues to position itself as a premier global destination, Lalibela’s Ethiopian Christmas stands as a powerful symbol of how ancient history and renewed vision can come together to captivate the world.