Be in Lalibela for the Special Saints Day on 19 June 2025

St Mikael's day in Lalibela, see the incredible churches and hike to Ashetan Mariam

Woman kisses the cross of a Monk

Come and visit Lalibela for Senay Mikael, the St Michael’s day celebrated on Thursday 19th June 2025 – it is one of the biggest saint’s days in Lalibela, with it also marking the anniversary of Saint-King Lalibela’s death. The Church of Mikael in Lalibela is connected to the church known as Golgotha where Lalibela himself is buried. Only Gena (Ethiopian Christmas) is a bigger celebration in the town. There is also a huge market in lalibela at this time.

We suggest you fly in to Lalibela on Wednesday 18 June and use the afternoon to see this big market and visit several of the churches in  the remarkable labyrinth of churches that makes up the 11 rockhewn churches of Lalibela. That night see the chanting outside the churches as the priests and deacons prepare for the big day.

Thursday 19 June – Return early in the morning to see the spectacle as crowds witness the processing of the 2 tabots – St.Lalibela and St. Mikael, paraded out of their rockhewn churches.    so this is a great day to visit the market

Tabots paraded at Senay Mikael

After the ceremonies are finished and the tabots are paraded back into the churches, if you have the energy you can see more of the market before heading back to the hotel for brunch and some down time after the early start.

On Thursday afternoon see some more of the churches of Lalibela you did not see on your first day in Lalibela.

Friday morning mass will be said at Rufael church for the monthly saints St Rufael day. (St. Ruphael is believed to have been empowered by God to intervene for fruitful marriage, fertility and to reduce the labour during childbirth – the annual day comes in Pagume in September).  This would be a good morning to attend the mass and enjoy the chanting in this beautiful church with its seeming moat and bridge.

On Friday afternoon see the remaining churches in Lalibela. Its good to take them slowly so that you can really see the differences and get a feel for the magic that is in Lalibela.

On Saturday hike up to Ashetan Mariam, a church built into a cave set into the side off Mnt Abuna Yoseph, high above the town. There are majestic views across the valleys from here.

On Saturday lunch time we can suggest a lunch with your guide family and a traditional coffee , and a relaxing afternoon. I like to spend time around the churches taking quirky photos, others love to paint, or just take in the scenes.  All is possible.

In Sunday you can go to the churches to hear mass before returning to the hotel to have a late breakfast and then head to the airport for your flight to Addis.