Timket (Epiphany) Festival – 2 Nights/3 Days

Timkat is the greatest colorful festival of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia. The festival of Timket falls on January 19. It is observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s baptism in River Jordan. Timkat is a two-day affair and all the ceremonies are conducted with great pomp.

 

Day 01: Jan.17/21 Arrival
Arrive at Bole International Airport, meet and assist by ET-Representative and transfer to your hotel

Meal: Dinner

Overnight: Skylight Hotel (5*)

 

 

Day 02: Jan.18/21 City Tour, Attending Ketera
In the morning ET-staffs will pick you from your hotel and you will go for half day city tour of Addis. The sightseeing of Addis includes visiting the National Museum and Entoto Hill Top to enjoy the panoramic view of Addis. Lunch break. In the afternoon you will attend the colorful procession of Epiphany festival or “Ketera”. This is when the Tabots of each church are carried out in procession to a river or pool of water where the next day’s celebration will take place. A special tent is set up where each Tabot rests as members of the church choirs chant hymns.

This is accompanied by a special dance by the priests with their prayer sticks and sistera, the beating of drums, ringing of bells, and blowing of trumpets. The Tabot symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant and the tablets of the Law, which Moses received on Mount Sinai. In the occasion, a lot of people will sing, dance and ululates accompanying the Tabots all the way to the place where the Tabots are supposed to make their overnight.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Skylight Hotel (5*)

 

 

Day 03: Jan.19/21 Attending Baptism, Departure
Today is main day for the celebration of the Ethiopian Epiphany and you will have a chance to attend the sprinkling of the blessed holy water in remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan in the hands of John. After the prayer, a senior priest uses a golden processional cross to bless the water and extinguishes a burning consecrated candle in the water. These rituals are followed by the blessing and sprinkling of the blessed water on the assembled congregation in commemoration of Christ’s baptism.

After the baptism, the Tabots of each church, except St. Michael’s church, start their way back to their respective churches. The priests wear astonishing brocade ceremonial clothes and carry decorated umbrellas, while chanting to the accomplishment of drums and the rhythmic clink of the sistrum and other instruments. The elders march solemnly, accompanied by singing, leaping priests and young men, the beating of staffs and prayer sticks recalling the ancient rites of the Old Testament. Late in the afternoon, you will be at leisure

In the evening, we invite you to a memorable farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with music and dance.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transfer to the airport to take your international flight

 

PACKAGE PRICE FOR GROUND SERVICES

COST: $295 per person sharing in a double room and $360 per person in a single room

 

Included Services:

• 2 Night’ accommodation at 5* hotel on double/twin room occupancy basis
• Meal: As mentioned in the program
• Ground transportation including all transfers
• Attending Epiphany Ceremony for 2 days’ in Addis Ababa
• Half-day City Tour of Addis Ababa
• Entrance fee per the program
• English Speaking Guiding Service
• One liter of bottled water in the car/during the tour

Excluded Services:

• Any other expenses which are not mentioned under “Price Include Section”

 

• Important Note:
  Ground service price is per person on room sharing basis

 

For any extension tour request please contact

ETHolidays@ethiopianairlines.com | +251-116179900 or +251-115174207