KULUBU GABRIEL (Celebration of St. Gabriel)

KULUBU GABRIEL (Celebration of St. Gabriel)
Almost every Christian in Ethiopia has a patron Saint and one of the most popular is Gabriel. The 28th of December and 26th of July are dedicated to the annual and colorful celebration of this Saint. The origin of the Church of St. Gabriel is traced back to the last decade of 19th century and it was Ras Mekonnen (Haile Selassie’s father) who is credited with the construction. Vast crowds of people congregate on the day of this celebration. People of all ages, sexes, classes and religion gather from all corners of Ethiopia, reaching 100,000 or more. Pilgrims walk to the Church to make or fulfill a vow, to ask favors, or in many cases to give thanks for favors granted. Some carry heavy rocks on their backs, particularly for the last few kilometers uphill to the Church. Babies born through Gabriel’s intervention are brought to the front of the Church for baptism. During the duration of the celebration 1,000 babies may be christened, most of them named after Saint Gabriel.

GENNA (Christmas) AT LALIBELA
Jan 07 (Jan 06 in Lip year) 10 nights/11 days (in-country)

TIMKET (Epiphany) AT ADDIS, GONDAR, AXUM
Jan 18 AND 19 10 nights/11 days (in-country)

GENNA (Christmas) AT LALIBELA
Jan 07 (Jan 06 in Lip year) 10 nights/11 days (in-country)

FASIKA (Easter) AT LALIBELA
Refer Ethiopian Calendar 10 nights/11 days (in-country)

MESKAL (Finding the True Cross of Christ) ADDIS ABABA
Sep 26 (Sep. 25 in Lip Year) 10 nights/11 days (in-country)

HIDAR ZION 2001 (Celebration of St. Mary) AT AXUM Nov. 30 (Dec. 01 In Lip year) 10 nights/11 days (in-country)

GISHEN MARIAM (Finding a Piece of the Cross) AT GISHEN MARIAM October 1

KULUBI GABRIEL (Celebration of St. Gabriel) AT DIRE DAWA
July 26 & December 28

SHEIKH HUSSEIN – An Islamic Pilgrimage AT SOF OMAR Major celebrations in May and October
Minor celebrations in February and September