What is Genna?
Genna is Ethiopian Christmas. It commemorates the Nativity of Christ and falls on Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar.
The holiday follows the Nativity fast, called Tsome Nebiyat or the Fast of the Prophets. For many Orthodox families, the feast begins after a long period of fasting and preparation.
Genna is both a religious feast and a national holiday, which is why EtCal displays it in both public and Orthodox contexts.
Religious and family life
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians often attend church services that can continue through the night. White traditional clothing is common, especially around major churches and monasteries.
After the service, families gather for holiday meals. Foods vary by family and region, but the end of fasting gives the meal special importance.
The holiday is also a time for visiting elders, greeting neighbors, and reconnecting with family members who may live far away.
Calendar distinction
Genna is often confused with December 25 Christmas because both are called Christmas in English. In the Ethiopian calendar, Genna is Tahsas 29, which usually falls on January 7 Gregorian.
The Ethiopian date stays fixed, while the Gregorian date is the one most users need to check when planning school, work, travel, or church attendance.
EtCal keeps the Ethiopian date visible so users do not have to translate the holiday back from the Gregorian calendar.
Using EtCal for Genna
EtCal includes Genna in holiday filters, upcoming holiday lists, calendar downloads, reminders, and mobile widgets.
Because it is connected to the Nativity fast, users may also want to check the fasting page for Tsome Nebiyat and Gahad fast context.
The mobile apps are especially useful for recurring holiday reminders and offline access during travel or church events.
Sources and further reading
This page is written as original English EtCal content and cross-checked against trusted Ethiopian calendar, cultural, Orthodox, Islamic, and public-holiday references.
Related Holiday Info
Continue with related Ethiopian, Orthodox, Muslim, and cultural/regional holiday pages.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ethiopian Christmas?
Ethiopian Christmas, Genna, is Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar.
What Gregorian date is Genna?
It is usually January 7 Gregorian, with calendar-cycle details best checked year by year.
Is Genna a public holiday?
Yes. Genna is a national and Orthodox holiday in Ethiopia.
What fast leads to Genna?
The Fast of the Prophets, also known as Tsome Nebiyat, leads to Genna.