Pilgrimage of Timket the Orthodox epiphany

Day 1 will be devoted to visiting Addis Ababa

In the morning of day 2, flight to Bhardar then you will go on a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the monasteries (built between the 14th and 19th century). You will be able to visit only the most accessible and representative of the monasteries which are still active: Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam (in the Zeghie peninsula) and Entos Eyesus. During your crossing you will be able to see numerous pelicans and fishermen crossing the lake on makeshift boats.

Then you will continue towards Gondar to discover the castles of Emperor Fassiladas, its swimming pool, the palace of Empress Minitab, the banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, the church of Debre Birhan (Light of the Trinity) dating from the 17th century.

In the evening you will attend an “Eve” mass; On the eve of Timket or "Ketera" the spectacular processions take place on a night of fasting the priests bring out the Tabots - replicas of the Ark of the Covenant and the tables of the law received by Moses - which are normally housed inside of the altar symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant. The priests bless the water of the pool or river where the next day's celebration will take place.

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This day is an unforgettable and unique moment in the world. Timket celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. This festival is best known for its ritual reenactment of baptism (similar to those reenactments performed by many Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land when they visit Jordan)

Early in the morning, you will go again to the “Taboat Maderia” to attend the early morning baptism ceremony. The water which symbolizes the Jordan is blessed by the priest and the patriarch in which they dip a golden cross.

Then they sprinkle water on the religious congregation and many participants dive into the water to symbolically renew their baptismal vows. But the party doesn't stop there.

At noon, on the day of Timket, a large crowd is gathered at the site of the ritual and the holy ark is taken back to its church in a colorful procession. The clergy, wearing robes and parasols of many hues, carrying crosses, perform captivating dances and songs; When the holy ark has been brought back safely, everyone returns home to feast with family and friends.

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