Timket is the greatest festival of the Ethiopian year, falling just 2 weeks after Ethiopian Christmas.
It is actually a 3-day affair preceded by the eve of Timket when the dramatic processions take place through a night of fasting, to the great day itself and the commemoration of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River.
Ketera, the Eve of Timket is when the Priests bring out the Tabots – replicas of the  tablets of laws received by Moses, which are normally housed inside the altar symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant.
Priests bless the water of the pool or river where the next day’s celebration will take place.
It is the Tabot, rather than the church building which is consecrated and given extreme reverence. Visitors have the unique chance to experience a festival lost to the rest of the world.

ITINERARY

• Focus: Timket festival in Gondar and Northern Historic Route
• Code: GU003