Order for 250 kr. and get free delivery in all of Denmark! We ship worldwide! 📦

That magic Christmas time in Ethiopia

December 07, 2020

That magic Christmas time in Ethiopia - Impact Roasters

In Ethiopia, Christmas, or else called Genna, reminds a bit of a big festival with people dressed in their best clothes gathering in the streets to celebrate together. The country's beautiful highlands start getting into the festive mood from January, as the Christmas day for most Ethiopians starts on the 7th of January.

Ethiopia's religious landscape is diverse. All Abrahamic religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are practiced for centuries. Christianity is practiced there in many forms, such as the Ethiopian Orthodoxy, Pentay, Roman Catholic, etc. However, the main country’s Christmas activities are celebrated at the center of local Ethiopian Orthodox churches.

Christmas spirit

Christmas attributes that are well known in many countries, such as Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or gift-giving, are not traditionally part of the country's Christmas culture. The focus is rather on the community and spiritual aspects of the celebration.

The view of women dressed in white traditional dress, kids wearing the crowns and robes, adults wearing traditional clothes called Shamma, and priests in their red and white robes add to the country’s festive mood. People usually chant, sing, and pray till late at night. 

Traditional food

Like everywhere else, food is an important part of Christmas in Ethiopia. One of the most traditional Christmas dishes is a thick spicy stew with chicken and whole boiled eggs. It is also popular to eat a freshly killed lamb for mutton tibs together with Injera - the traditional sour fermented flatbread made of teff. As for sweets, they are quite rare in Ethiopian cuisine. However, traditional Ethiopian honey bread called Defo Dabo and sweet honey wine called Tej are quite popular during various celebrations, including Christmas as well.

It is also hard to imagine Christmas without the famous Ethiopian coffee ceremony since coffee has been an integral part of Ethiopian culture and everyday life for centuries. Ethiopian coffee ceremonies date back to over a thousand years and are widely performed for various occasions, including Christmas celebrations. It is a symbol of the spiritual transformation, and one gets blessed after finishing drinking the last round of the coffee. In this way, Christmas blessings are symbolically made and shared with family and neighbours.  

Like everywhere else, Christmas in Ethiopia is, after all, a time for families to gather together, eat, and enjoy time with each other.


Also in Impact stories

Christmas coffee blends Impact roasters
Why Coffee Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift

December 10, 2024

Impact Roasters’ Ethiopian coffee is a thoughtful and flavorful Christmas gift. Our seasonal blends like Beza&Nehi and Zenu&Zala offer festive notes of chocolate, spices, berries, and citrus. For a unique touch, try our customizable Christmas Advent Calendar, featuring four exquisite blends. Celebrate the season with ethically sourced coffee that delights every coffee lover while supporting sustainability. Perfect for gifting across Denmark!

Continue Reading

We are Refining our Organic Practices - Impact Roasters
We are Refining our Organic Practices

October 17, 2024

Impact Roasters is refining its organic practices by no longer pursuing official organic certification for its Ethiopian coffee. The decision stems from the increasing bureaucracy around certification, which detracted from focusing on sustainability and responsible sourcing. Despite the lack of formal certification, their coffee remains organic in practice, as farmers still use traditional methods without harmful chemicals. Impact Roasters continues to work directly with Ethiopian farmers, ensuring high quality, ethical coffee without compromise.

For more details, visit Impact Roasters’ blog.

Continue Reading

Coffee beans
The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Grind Sizes: How to Choose the Right Grind for Your Brewing Method

April 25, 2023

A perfect cup of coffee starts with the right grind size, which influences the extraction rate and flavor profile. Using the wrong grind size can lead to under-extraction, resulting in a weak and sour taste, or over-extraction, causing bitterness. Understanding the relationship between grind size and brewing method is essential. Coarse grinds work best for French press, medium-coarse for pour-over, medium for filter coffee, and fine grinds for espresso. However, adjustments may be needed based on equipment and bean type, particularly when brewing with Ethiopian beans. Experimenting will help you find the ideal balance for a flavorful cup.

Continue Reading