The community of lalibela and its surroundings are an ethnic group inhabiting the northern and central highlands of Ethiopia, particularly the Amhara Region, They speakAmharic, an Afro-Asiatic language of the Semitic branch, and are one of the Habesha peoples.
Amharic is the working language of the federal authorities of Ethiopia. It was for some time also the language of primary school instruction, but has been replaced in many areas by regional languages such as Oromifa and Tigrinya, The Amharic language is transcribed using the Ethiopic or Ge’ez script an abugida.
Religion: The predominant religion of the people for centuries has been Christianity, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church playing a central role in the culture of the people. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church maintains close links with the. Easter andEpiphany are the most important celebrations, marked with services, feasting and dancing. There are also many feast days throughout the year, when only vegetables or fish may be eaten.
Marriages: Marriage is often arranged, with men marrying in their late teens or early twenties. Traditionally, girls were married as young as 14, but in the 20th century, the minimum age was raised to 18, and this was enforced by the Imperial government. civil marriages are common, as well as churches. After a church wedding, divorce is frowned upon. Each family hosts a separate wedding feast after the wedding. The Amhara are also weavers of beautiful patterns embellished with embroidery. They are fine gold- and silversmiths and produce delicate works of filigree jewelry and religious emblems.
Upon childbirth, a priest will visit the family to bless the infant. The mother and child remain in the house for 40 days after birth for physical and emotional strength. The infant will be taken to the church for baptism at 40 days (for boys) or 80 days (for girls).
Farming: The peoples make their living through farming, mostly in the Ethiopian highlands they grow Barley,corn , millet , wheat, and sorghum, along with beans ,peppers,chickpeas, and other vegetables, are the most important crops. In the highlands one crop per year is normal, while in the lowlands two are possible. Cattle, sheep, and goats are also raised.