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- Pilgrimage and processions — Tens of thousands walk to Kulubi, many coming on foot from far-off villages; seeing lines of pilgrims winding up the hill and joining together in procession is a humbling, kinetic experience you won’t forget.
- Ancient liturgical music and chanting — The Ge’ez chants, call-and-response singing, and traditional instruments (think kebero drums and the lone masenqo fiddle) create a dense, almost trance-like soundscape that feels genuinely ancient and alive.
- Ceremonial crosses and priestly regalia — Priests and deacons display ornate hand-made processional crosses and richly embroidered robes; the visual pageantry — metalwork, color, movement — is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
- Markets, food stalls and coffee ceremonies — Around the festival the air is full of
- Pilgrimage and processions — Tens of thousands walk to Kulubi, many coming on foot from far-off villages; seeing lines of pilgrims winding up the hill and joining together in procession is a humbling, kinetic experience you won’t forget.
- Ancient liturgical music and chanting — The Ge’ez chants, call-and-response singing, and traditional instruments (think kebero drums and the lone masenqo fiddle) create a dense, almost trance-like soundscape that feels genuinely ancient and alive.
- Ceremonial crosses and priestly regalia — Priests and deacons display ornate hand-made processional crosses and richly embroidered robes; the visual pageantry — metalwork, color, movement — is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
- Markets, food stalls and coffee ceremonies — Around the festival the air is full of burning wood and spice: injera, stews, tibs, honey wine (tej) and on-the-spot coffee ceremonies offer a crash course in local flavors and social life between services.
- Night vigils, camping and the sunrise mass — Pilgrims camp on the slopes, keep vigil with fires and communal singing, then attend a dawn mass that feels intense and intimate even amid the crowds; this is my personal favorite for its raw, shared devotion and the quiet after the night’s energy.
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Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.