Meskel - 27 September
Meskel, one of the major Ethiopian Orthodox festivals is celebrated for two days beginning September 26th. Legend has it that in the year 326, Queen Helena (Empress Helen) the Mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the cross upon which Christ was crucified.
Timkat - 19 January
Celebrating the Baptism of Christ, every January 19th (January 20 during leap year), Timkat is the greatest colorful festival of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia. It celebrates the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.
Eid Al Fitr - 7 July
Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). The religious Eid is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
Eid Al Adha - 12-13 September
"Festival of the Sacrifice", also called the "Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two.
Africa Park/Addis-Ethio-Africa Park
It is found in Kirkos locality, in front of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Hilton Addis Ababa. It is the place where the founding countries of Organization of African Unity (OAU) and other diplomats have been planting trees for memory.
Lion Zoo Park
This Park was established in 1948 and is the only Zoo Park in the city where one could visit caged Lions, Lioness and Cabs. Located at the main roads of Sidist kilo in Arada locality, formerly it was inside the palace of Emperor Haileselassie (the present Addis Ababa University, Sidist Kilo).
United Nations Conference Center
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development.
AU Conference Center
The new African Union commission Conference Center and office complex, situated in Addis Ababa Ethiopia and inaugurated in 2012, boasts an elegant-cosy atmosphere coupled with modern architecture thus rendering it an apt location for organizing meeting, conference and receptions.
Dining in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, the capital city, has a rich and unexpected food culture. And more than just great meals, this is food that comes with a story. At the heart of every Ethiopian meal is injera. Basically is like pancake that made from tef, a sour-wheat-like grain that is mixed with cool water and a pinch of yeast.
Night Life in Addis Ababa
Nightlife in Addis Ababa starts at around 11:00 p.m. and continues throughout the night being very interesting and vibrant. To rock on to an Ethiopian traditional entertainment, there are several cultural restaurant halls where there is a live show of Ethiopian music, dance and very favored entertainment.
Cinemas & Theater
With an increasing number of entertainment interests in the locals and with a demand of international guests in the city, Addis Ababa offers closer to 40 cinema and theatre halls in several spots of the city.
Fine art galleries
With an emerging art scene in the city, Addis Ababa offers number of outstanding permanent art galleries in every corner of the city. Addis has grown local artists from the Fine-Art School at the Addis Ababa University, many artists has encountered internationality beyond their country.
Cultural Centers
Sharing cultural exchange of the several citizens that come along time to time, Addis has diverse country’s cultural institutions and centers. The Ethiopian cultural centers feature all around Ethiopian history, culture, and treasures that are aimed in promoting them. Also these centers host several Ethiopian spirited events in education, art and entertainment.
Great Ethiopian Run
Great Ethiopian Run, Founded by Haile Gebreselassie, the greatest distance runner of all time and a national hero, it’s a 10km race through the heart of this bustling, fascinating city.