Day 01 :
Fly to Lalibela
- Morning: Depart from Addis Ababa and fly to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning rock-hewn churches. The flight is about an hour long, providing a quick and scenic journey to this ancient town.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Lalibela and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the town. You can visit Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches such as Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George) or Bete Medhane Alem, marveling at their architecture and historical significance.
- Evening: As evening falls, get ready to witness the beginnings of the Ashenda Festival. Locals, mostly women and young girls, will start wearing their colorful traditional clothing and handmade garlands in preparation for the festival's main celebrations.
Day 02 :
Experience Ashenda Festival in Lalibela
- Morning: On the second day, you’ll experience the heart of the Ashenda Festival. The day begins with a traditional procession, where local women and girls, wearing vibrant tunis (Ethiopian traditional dresses), sing and dance in the streets to celebrate the new harvest. The Ashenda is primarily a celebration of fertility, womanhood, and the end of the harvest season.
- Afternoon: Join in the festive atmosphere as you watch the traditional dancing and singing performances by women, who also showcase their cultural costumes and wreaths. The women sing songs of joy and praise, and there are often public performances of Ethiopian folk music.
- Evening: The festivities continue into the evening with more traditional dances and songs. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience some local food and drinks, with dishes like injera, doro wat, and t'ej (honey wine) available to enjoy with the community. The streets are filled with laughter, music, and a strong sense of community.
Day 03 :
Explore Lalibela & Return to Addis Ababa
- Morning: After a lively and cultural day, enjoy a relaxing breakfast and explore more of Lalibela. If you missed visiting the rock-hewn churches on Day 1, today is the perfect time to visit Bete Amanuel or Bete Merkorios, which are lesser-known but equally impressive.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a peaceful walk around the town, perhaps visit the Lalibela Market, and purchase some local crafts such as Ethiopian crosses or woven baskets as souvenirs.
- Evening: In the late afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Ashenda Festival and the unique culture of Lalibela.