Timket (Ephipany)

This three day celebration marks Epiphany and the baptism of Christ. The highlight of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church for locals, it is also easily the most inspiring event for visitors. Priests and worshipers dance and chant in the streets carrying replicas of the tabot (Ark of the Covenant) that sit on the altar of every church.

Ethiopians believe that the true Ark of Covenant rests in the town of Aksum in the far north. Timkat is the most memorable holiday in Gondar where the hilly streets overflow with crowds of worshipers swathed in the white muslin robes.

Splashes of colour come from priest’s ceremonial parasols as the processions from each of Gondar’s 44 churches converge on the city centre. The combination of singing, chanting, drums and sistrums  all echoing off Gondar’s surrounding mountain escarpments make for an ethereal experience.

Timkat concludes with an all-night candlelit vigil at the 17^th centre stone complex, Fasilias Baths. In the morning, priests baptise the tabots in the water of the baths, following which the crowds dive into the pools shouting, splashing and chanting with joy. Timkat takes place in late January