Find out where and how to experience Ethiopia’s most spectacular festival, which commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan.
Location
Fasilidas’ Bath, Gonder, Ethiopia
Dates
18–20 January.
Description
The festival is celebrated around the country, though it’s most spectacular in the former capital of Gonder.
On the eve of Timkat, the church tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are taken to Fasilidas’ Bath. During the night, the priests and faithful participate in a vigil around the tabots. The following morning (19 January) the crowds gather around the water, which is blessed then splashed onto them, and religious vows are renewed. The tabots are then paraded back to the church accompanied by much singing and dancing. A unique sight at the Gonder Timkat is of the faithful leaping into the baths for a full-immersion ‘baptism’.
If you can’t make it to Gonder, Timkat in Addis Ababa is also good. It’s held at the horseracing track at Jan Meda Sports Ground, off Russia St.
Level of Participation
2 – catch a splash of water and join in the parade.
Essentials
Consider flying into Gonder if coming direct from Addis Ababa - buses take two days.
Other Local Attractions
Known as ‘Africa’s Camelot’, Gonder is an evocative place. Visit the World Heritage–listed Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure; all 70,000 sq metres of it), and don’t miss the artistry of the Debre Berhan Selassie church, which features 104 Ethiopian cherubs on the ceiling and a mass of artworks on the walls.
More Info: Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism
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