Ethiopia is home to one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church tracing its origins back to the 4th century. Central to this belief system is the conviction that the Ark of the Covenant is preserved within the country, forming a core element of religious identity.

The town of Lalibela is one of the most important pilgrimage sites, known for its rock-hewn churches carved directly into the earth. These structures serve as the focal point for religious gatherings throughout the year, and especially during Genna, the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Christmas on January 7.

During Genna, thousands of pilgrims dressed in white gather in and around the churches. The celebrations unfold through night-long prayers, chanting, and processions led by priests carrying crosses and sacred objects. The rituals follow centuries-old liturgical practices, creating a continuous flow of movement, sound, and collective devotion.