The Rock Churches of Lalibela, the Jerusalem of Ethiopia
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I visited Lalibela on the 7th of January this year, during the Genna celebrations. Genna is the Ethiopian Christmas, and coincides with other Orthodox Christmas celebrations around the world. The feast marks the end of the 40-day fasting period of Advent.
Lalibela is the most popular place to celebrate Genna, as thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy city for this celebration. The colorful celebration of Ethiopian Christ Mass coincides with the birthday of king Lalibela, who is credited with the construction of eleven rock hewn churches approximately 800 years ago. |