Festivals and Events in Lalibela Ethiopia

Travel advisory, as of October 2026. Lalibela is in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where the UK FCDO advises against all travel and the US government tells its citizens not to travel. Fighting has resumed across northern Ethiopia, flights to Lalibela have been suspended since 24 September 2026 with no restart date announced, and there is no safe overland route. Nothing described here can be booked now; this page describes the town for a future visit once advisories change. Read the FCDO advice and the US State Department before making any plans.

Lalibela’s Religious Festivals

Genna falls on 7 January 2027 and Timkat on 19 January 2027, with its eve procession on 18 January. They are pilgrim festivals, so do not plan a trip around them until advisories change.

The town’s population grows several-fold at Genna. Local people rely on pilgrims and travellers coming back.

Conduct

• Leave your shoes at each church door and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Women should cover their heads. Speak quietly, ask before photographing anyone, switch off the flash, and keep your hands off the carvings.
• Biete Golgotha is closed to women.