Ethiopian Epiphany ( Festival of Timket) 3 days in Gondar

Ethiopian Epiphany ( Festival of Timket) 3 days in Gondar

Festival of Timket is one Ethiopian festival not to be missed.. and Gondar is one of the best places to experience it.
The festival is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany and venerates Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. It is regarded as one of the most colourful festivals of the Ethiopian Orthodox year. The highlights of the festival are the movement of the Tabots, a model of the Ark of the Covenant, from every local Ethiopian Orthodox church altar to one meeting place at Fasilides’ Bath. It is also at the bath where young boys will leap into the large pool in a ritual reenactment of baptism.

Day 1 - January 19 | flight to Gondar from Addis Ababa

Take the morning flight to Gondar from Addis Ababa. After check in at the hotel, tour the famous castles of Gondar after which we will visit the Debre Berhan Selassie church. After lunch, head to Medhane Alem Church to follow the procession of people taking the replica of the Ark of the covenant to Fasilides’ Bath. The Arks (or Tabots) from all the local Ethiopian Orthodox churches will also make their way to Fasilides’ Bath.

Day 2 | Gondar (Timket Holiday)

Today is the official holiday of Timket. We will rise very early (as will most of the town) and go direct to Fasilides’ Bath for a 4.30 am start..
The ceremony will be a mix of priests blessings, prayers and a ritual reenactment of Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan.
Around midday, the ceremony will conclude at Fasilides’ Bath and almost all the Arks (St Michael’s will remain behind) will be brought back, in a ceremonial procession, to their respective churches.

Day 3 |Gondar ( St Michael's Day) / Addis Ababa

After breakfast, return to Fasilides’ Bath to attend the celebration of St. Michael’s Day.
Late in the afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa.