Emperor Fasilides converted Gondar his capital in 1632. He then ordered the construction of a large pool for swimming and celebrating the religious ceremonies. The pools have survived to this day and have become the site of the celebration of the Timkat. Just as in other cities, in Gondar Ethiopians bring water from the river for the ceremony where they are completely immersed in holy water.
We have prepared this departure to Ethiopia on 17 January proposing Timkat in Axum as a more traditional alternative, less affected by tourism, an alternative to crowded Lalibela that is increasingly popular with visitors to Gondar. In Axum we find lthe authenticity of Ethiopian religious feeling and the remains of the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, including its fields of funerary stelae.
We visit Lalibela after most people have left, so we have the town almost to ourselves.
The route also includes the festival of St Mikael in Tigray and a celebration at Bilbala Kirkos Monastery in Lalibela.
January, the best time to travel to Ethiopia
One of the best times for travel to Ethiopia In January, Timkat brings music, dancing and religious fervour together for three days. Travellers can discover the extraordinary vitality of Ethiopians celebrating their religious festivals. Timkat in the authentic setting of Axum is perhaps its ultimate expression. The spectacularly located churches of Tigray are another holiday highlight.
The Timkat festival is the most important celebration for Ethiopian Orthodox believers.
Ethiopian spirituality
Forty percent of Ethiopians identify themselves as Christians and are among the Christian traditions oldest in the world. This one celebration of the Epiphany commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan with a ritual re-enactment and processions with replicas of the Ark of the Covenant.
Timkat Festival Ceremonies
Only the community’s senior priests carry the Tabots, completely covered because they are too sacred for anyone to see. Even the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is forbidden to look at them; only their guardians may do so.
It is said that the real Ark of the Covenant is in the city of Aksum, guarded by monks who have sworn not to abandon the grounds of the chapel until death.
The faithful, dressed in traditional white robes, or shamma, gather around the pool as sunrise reflects in the water. The water is blessed and sprinkled over the faithful. Some of the most devoted participants enter and immerse themselves, recreating Jesus’ baptism and symbolically renewing their own.
Parades in the streets of Gondar
They gather clergy in their ceremonial robes, holding colourful liturgical parasols, and pilgrims dressed in white, with children wearing crowns and colourful clothes, parade through Gondar’s streets, jumping and dancing with joy as they return the tabots to church. Once the ark is back in its resting place, everyone leaves for home to celebrate with great banquets.
Upcoming trips to Ethiopia
✔️ 18-day trip
✔️ Departures 7, 28 JUL > 11 AUG > 8 SEP > 6 OCT 2023
✔️ From 3375€
The north is the land of Christians who have left their ancient monuments as testimony.
In the south, in sub-Saharan Africa, culturally diverse peoples live alongside one another along the Omo River.
