Timkat: Epiphany
Join Africa Easy in Ethiopia in January 2019 as we experience Ethiopia’s rich history, culture and diverse wildlife on this 17 day journey. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the Ethiopian culture than to celebrate at the Timket Festival in Gondar with the locals. Combining history with the rock-hewn churches, the Timket Festival, beautiful landscapes and species in the national parks – this is an itinerary ensuring an experience unlike any other! Read about the Timket Festival below:
Timkat (also spelled Timket or Timqat) Festival, also known as Epiphany is celebrated all over the world. Epiphany is a ritual of reliving the actual baptism of Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The Timkat festival is inscribed in UNESCO. It’s anniversary is celebrated on the 19th of every January (20th on leap year). It is among the biggest religious festivals in Ethiopia. During the ceremony of Timkat, the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant, which is present on every Ethiopian altar is covered in rich cloth and brought on the head of the priest. The Tabot represents the manifestation of Jesus as a Messiah when he came to the Jordan for Baptism.
The three-day ceremony is a truly moving sight. From the golden sunlight shining upon the 17th century stone structure, to the faithful, dressed in traditional white robes, (or shamma) gathering around the pool as the light reflects the water- it is a beautiful experience. This religious celebration is perhaps best known for some attendees entering the water and submerging themselves where they reenact the baptism of Jesus, a symbolic renewal of their own baptism.
The crowd of celebrants—clergy in their ceremonial robes, holding colorful liturgical parasols overhead, congregants in all white, children in crowns and colorful clothes skipping along to keep up, and curious onlookers create a vibrant parade through the streets of Gondar as they sing and dance their way back to the church to return the tabots. Later, locals retire to their homes for feasting.
Overall, the Timkat Celebrations are most impressive in Gondar. It is impossible not to get caught up in the excitement and energy of the culture associated with the celebration. Join Africa Easy in the festivities in January 2019 on Enchanting Ethiopia. View the Enchanting Ethiopia complete itinerary and rates here.
