Celebrate under blue skies during warm, sunny days.
December is a month of festive celebrations around the world and Ethiopia is no exception. Although the country celebrates Christmas (Genna) in early January and the new year was celebrated in September, those living in Addis Ababa enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Christmas and new year twice, following both the Julian and Gregorian calendars!
Hotels, restaurants and businesses break out the decorations and set up Christmas trees, Gingerbread Houses and Santa’s Grottos, complete with nodding red-nosed reindeers while various bazaars tempt Christmas shoppers.
For those used to a wintry Christmas in the northern hemisphere, celebrating under blue skies during warm, sunny days is a delight. Fond memories are created splashing around in pools, relaxing in verdant gardens, strolling down Churchill Road along the new pedestrian walkway, heading to the Entoto hills and watching the sunsets from the many rooftop bars in hotels around the city.
The beautiful jacaranda trees are in full bloom throughout the city at this time of year, adding splashes of their almost mystical color to the urban landscape.
Besides these joyful experiences, enjoying spending time with cherished family and friends, many of whom arrive from overseas for the holidays, is the real gift of the holiday season, celebrating together in gratitude for the good things in life, which are increasingly precious!
