HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL

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 2 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

Day 01 - Jan 11-arrive Addis
Day 02 - Jan 12-fly to Axum
Day 03 - Jan 13-fly to Lalibela
Day 04 - Jan 14-in Lalibela
Day 05 - Jan 15-fly to Gondar
Day 06 - Jan 16-fly to Bahir Dar
Day 07 - Jan 17-fly to Addis
Day 08 - Jan 18-fly to Dire Dawa; drive to Harar
Day 09 - Jan 19-drive to Dire Dawa; fly to Addis
Day 10 - Jan 20-in Addis (Timket Day)
Day 11 - Jan 21 -departure