The Gena gathering

In Ethiopia, most people are Coptic Orthodox Christians. They constitute 43% of the population. The 24^th of December is an important date for the Coptic faithful, and the celebration has a specific reference in Ethiopia, namely Gena. It is preceded by a night vigil and 43 days of fasting follow the celebration. At the heart of the festivities is the town of Lalibela, known for its 12th and 13th century monolithic rock-cut churches, around which many Christians gather for the Gena.