Timket Eve Festiva for Morning Arrivals ETHF 15
Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) is one of Ethiopia’s most colorful and spiritually significant celebrations. The word Timket means “baptism” and commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
Each year, the celebration brings communities together in a vibrant display of faith, tradition, music, colorful processions, and cultural heritage. The sacred Tabot replicas are carried in grand processions to nearby water sites, where prayers, blessings, and ceremonial baptisms take place.
Experience the unique atmosphere of Timket in some of Ethiopia’s most celebrated destinations, including Gondar, Lalibela, and Addis Ababa, where ancient traditions come alive amid spectacular celebrations.
Witness the faith. Feel the tradition. Experience the magic of Timket in Ethiopia.
Activities
In the morning According to your anticipated
arrival time, meet and greet by ET-Holiday representative, after check – in and refresh at your hotel you will
start your tour by visiting your ancestor lucy at: -
- The
National Museum of Ethiopia: Where you will visit the
fossil remains of our ancient ancestor Lucy (Dinkinesh) dating back to 3.5
million years. Minimum of 1hr.
-
The Ethnological Museum: Housed in the former palace of Haile Selassie,
which is now on the grounds of Addis Ababa University. Here you will visit
Anthropology, Ethno-Musicological, Art Gallery, Philatelic and Numismatics
Collections. Minimum
of 2hrs
-
Then after, visit Shiro Meda
which is a great local market in Addis Ababa especially for locally
hand-woven cotton women dresses decorated with embroidery as you can find traditional closes.
Lunch at a local Restaurant
After
having lunch, you will experience the celebration of Timket eve which starts on
the afternoon of 19th January, known as ’Ketera’, refers to the
making of a dam, as it is common to make a dam in places where there is no
river water for the celebration of Timket. The “Tabot” (replica of the Ark of
the Covenant) is taken out of each church and borne aloft by high priests to
the nearest river, lake, or pond where the communal baptism is to take place
the next day.
You will attend the procession
by chanting and dancing crowds in dazzling white traditional dress, which
contrasts with the colors of the ceremonial robes and sequined velvet umbrellas
of the priests. The Tabots stay overnight near the water and ceremonies
continue overnight.
Dinner
at a local restaurant /cultural Restaurant
Meal: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Minimum (4*) hotel
This day
morning, after having Breakfast you will start your day by attending the main
Timket morning celebration, when the ceremony begins with pre-sunrise rituals,
which include the Kidane (Morning Prayer) and the Kidasse (the divine clergy).
Then you will attend the blessing and sprinkling of blessed water on the
assembled congregation in commemoration of Christ’s baptism. Then you will
participate on next part of the event before the procession breaks up by
returning the Tabots (replica of the Ark of the Covenant) to the respected
churches in the afternoon.
After spending Timket Holiday with
some spiritual activities you will have a farewell dinner at a colorful
Ethiopian cultural restaurant with music and dance and transfer you to the airport to take your international flight.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 1 Night Accommodation at Skylight Hotel on Twin /Double bad basis
- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Half day city tour
- Attending Eve and main day of Timket celebration
- All entrance fees.
- English speaking Guide fees
- Ground transportation service including all transfers
- One liter of mineral water per person per day
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what is included section.
Ethiopian Holidays representative upon arrival will meet and assist.
Email: ETHolidays@ethiopianairlines.com
Contact Number: + 251 115174204/4207/4205/4504
Date of cancellation Penalty
More than 30 days before arrival No fees
Between 29 and 21 days before the date of arrival 25% of the total value
Between 20 and 08 days before the date of arrival 50% of the total value
Less than 07 days before the date of arrival 100% of the total value
Important note:
o Child fare will be below 5 yrs. free of charge, & 5 to12 yrs. 50% of the adult fair.
o Other language speaking guide 60USD Per day
| Tour Name | Timket Eve Festiva for Morning Arrivals ETHF 15 |
|---|---|
| Sales Validity Start | 11 August 2026 |
| Sales Validity End | 20 January 2027 |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
|
1 to 3
|
USD 542 |
|
4 to 5
|
USD 525 |
|
6 to 7
|
USD 490 |
|
8 to 9
|
USD 475 |
|
10 to 12
|
USD 473 |