What to wear for Genna, Timket or an Ethiopian wedding

For Genna (ገና, 7 January) and Timket (ጥምቀት, 19 January in most years, 20 January in a leap year), most women wear a white habesha kemis or zuria with a netela (ነጠላ) shawl, especially for church. For weddings you can be more festive: coloured gowns, gold embroidery and matching outfits for the bridal party. If your dress is being made to measure, order 6–8 weeks before the day.

Genna (ገና), 7 January

Genna is Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on 7 January (Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar). Many families go to church the night before, so a traditional white kemis or zuria with a netela over your shoulders or head is the classic choice. Gold or coloured tibeb and a cross design, like our Golden Meskel (ZF-105), suit the day perfectly. In Tigrinya, Christmas is also called Lidet (ልደት).

Timket (ጥምቀት), 19 January

Timket is Epiphany, the celebration of the baptism of Christ. It falls on Tir 11 in the Ethiopian calendar, which is 19 January, or 20 January in a Gregorian leap year (in 2027 it's Tuesday 19 January). UNESCO added Timket to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. People gather outdoors for processions, often all in white, so a white kemis or zuria with a netela is the usual choice. Choose comfortable shoes and a dress you can move in, and tell your maker the length you want with the shoes you'll wear.

Ethiopian and Eritrean weddings

Weddings are the time to dress up. Guests often wear coloured or embroidered kemis, satin or shifon gowns and gold jewellery. Brides and bridesmaids love matching sets, like our Bridal Party (ZF-107). Many couples also hold a melse (መልስ), a second celebration after the wedding, where a different outfit is common. For a group, use our group & wedding order page so everyone's measurements go into one order.

Our tips

• Order 6–8 weeks before the event. Typical production is 1–4 weeks, plus courier time.
• Measure in the shoes you'll wear for the full length. See how to measure for a habesha dress.
• Pick a netela with a border that matches your dress.
• Ordering for family too? Save each person's size profile on My size.

Frequently asked questions

When is Genna?

Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) is celebrated on 7 January every year.

When is Timket?

Timket is on 19 January, or 20 January in a Gregorian leap year. In 2027 it is on Tuesday 19 January.

What colour should I wear to Timket?

Most people wear white, usually a white habesha kemis or zuria with a netela. Coloured embroidery on the borders is common.

How early should I order a dress for Genna or a wedding?

We recommend ordering 6–8 weeks before the event. Typical production is 1–4 weeks depending on the design, then a few business days by courier.