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Thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, clad in traditional white garments, gathered on Tuesday at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa to celebrate Christmas Eve.
The candlelight celebration in the capital was followed by an all-night church service, bringing to an end the 43-day fasting period observed by members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians observe Christmas according to the Julian calendar, which falls 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar used by Catholics and Protestants.
Participants described the atmosphere at Meskel Square as one of deep spiritual joy, with worshippers expressing happiness and a strong sense of religious fulfilment during the celebration.
The festivities took place against the backdrop of ongoing challenges across the country. Although the war in the Tigray region ended in 2022, Ethiopia continues to face security concerns, with ethnic-based insurgencies persisting in its two largest regions, Amhara and Oromia.
Despite these challenges, Addis Ababa has seen significant transformation following extensive urban renewal projects under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including bike lanes, parks, museums and a major conference centre, contributing to the city’s revitalisation.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia is preparing for general elections scheduled for June, amid ongoing efforts to balance national security concerns with political and economic development.
