Fasika, Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Easter, is celebrated
after 55 days severe lent fasting during which Orthodox Tewahedo Christians do
not eat meat and dairy products for the whole 55 days. During these days, the
only food they can eat is vegetarian meals like ground split peas, lentils,
grains, fruits, bread, and injera. On the eve of Easter, people go to church,
bringing candles to light up for the very colorful Easter service. Addis Ababa,
Axum, Lalibela, and Gondar are the sites of the 4 biggest pilgrimages for
Orthodox Easter where celebrations are large and visitors can get the most
authentic understanding of the holiday. In fact, a majority of the 800,000
annual international visitors of Ethiopia come for Fasika.