Fasika (Orthodox Easter)
Fasikais Ethiopian Easter and is celebrated in conjunction with Orthodox Easter celebrations around the world. Fasika is the most important holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar andfollows a long 55-day fast, where no meat or dairy products are consumed. Strict followers generally consume one meal of vegetables and lentils during this time. Church services are attended on the eve before the holiday, where revelers participate in a colorful service lit with candles. The following day, families and friends celebrate Fasikawith special feasts that mark the end of the long fast. Doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, is the most traditional food served in all households. Celebrations continue for the following week, with an unofficial “second Fasika” the following weekend.
Axum has a colorful procession for Palm Sunday (known as Hosanna), the week before Fasika which is well worth a visit. Like most holidays, the celebration takes place the night before the actually holiday (Saturday night).
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – APRIL 09: Ethiopians are seen with their leaf crowns for the Hosanna Day (Happiness Day) celebrations ahead of the Easter, near the St. Urael Orthodox Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on April 09, 2017. (Photo by Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
