Vast Ethiopia Tours strongly believes that the best way to truly experience Ethiopian culture is through its many festivals and religious ceremonies. These events can be visited in conjunction with other sites around the country.

The major religious events in Ethiopia are linked to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, whose history goes back to the 4th century. Due to Ethiopian faithfulness and strong beliefs, celebrations and festivals play an important role in daily life. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church ceremonies are unique and impressive, especially Timket, Genna and Meskel. During these festivals, religious followers and priests dress in traditional costume and celebrate festivals across the country.

Religion has an important role in Ethiopian society. Festivals and ceremonies provide many high points in the calendars.

Ethiopian Orthodox church celebrates no less than 150 major and minor festivals per year and many of these holidays not only mobilize a large percentage of the local population, but attract tourists from all over the world as well.

Below we have provided two possible itineraries for visiting Ethiopia during the holidays of Timket (Epiphany - January 19th) and Genna (Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas - January 7). Keep in mind that these holidays are close enough that visitors could combine the visits.

Please see our section about Ethiopian Holidays for other ideas and possible times to visit Ethiopia.

Timket "Epiphany"

Timket is one of the most important festivals in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It commemorates Christ's baptism by St. John in the Jordan River. Timket is celebrated two weeks after Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) and begins on the eve of the holiday with massive processions through the streets.

The Tabot -the replica of the Ark of the Covenant- is removed from every church in the country the day before the celebration and taken to a central area where the ceremony will take place. The following morning, the church officials, resplendent in their gorgeous regalia, assemble around the Tabot and sprinkle holy water on the Christians.

Timket is an especially beautiful celebration in the cities of Axum, Gonder, and Lalibela, however the day is revered anywhere there is an Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Timket Itinerary