Holding a coffee ceremony is a traditional Ethiopian way of welcoming a guest and giving the guest the best hospitality. It is probably one of the most celebrated Ethiopian cultural traditions, and a lifestyle - in which most Ethiopians can identify themselves with. It is a popular cultural phenomenon in the country, and is largely practiced and maintained by the older generation. Even though children and teenagers are not encouraged to take a sip of coffee, their inclusion to the ceremony is important, but not enforced. The ceremonies are held on a daily basis at most households whether there are guests or not. And whoever passes by the house - in which the ceremony is held – they get to be cordially invited to the daily ceremony. But apart from guests and passers by, neighbours hangout at each other's place on a daily basis for a cup of coffee and a chat.

An Ethiopian coffee ceremony could last up to an hour and even more. Once the guests and the hosting family congregate, the routine starts by decorating the scene. This is mainly done by laying a colourful mat on the floor, thinning-out some fresh green-grass and flowers over the mat, then placing the traditional coffee pot, cups, and incenses burner on top of the mat. Manually washing the coffee beans, roasting them over a charcoal burner, puffing some of the aroma of the coffee while roasting, grinding and boiling it, are the subsequent procedures, which are integral parts of the ceremony. Wafts of burning incenses surround the ambiance - at this point - to get everyone in the mood of having fun and making the most of their getting together.