Religious Festivals

In Ethiopia; religion, especially Orthodox Tewahedo is inseparable part of life. The Orthodox Tewahedo Church ceremonies are unique and impressive; especially Timket and Meskel festivals which provide colorful ceremonies and celebrations. People dress in traditional costume and celebrate festivals across the country with colorful unique ceremonies such as Enkutatash (New Year), Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), Ledet (Christmas), Timket (Epiphany) and Fasika (Easter). In these seasons, especial food and drink are plentiful, musicians play and people dance and sing. Theatre halls in Addis Ababa will be full in different way this time.
Islamic tradition also celebrates religious festivals in the Ethiopian.

Action Tours is amongst Ethiopia's leading tour operators, ready to take action for your religious festival tour. Make a plan individually, with friends or groups so we will be in between to achieve your goals.

Timket (Epiphany)

Timket is the greatest Ethiopian religious festival. Timkat festival dates back to the legendary history of The Ark of The Covenant. It is believed by Orthodox Church and some scholars that The Ark of Israel, which they were given from God through prophet Mosses, is rested here in Axum, Ethiopia. It is primarily to glorify and commemorate the Ark and the baptism of Jesus the Christ in River Jordan that almost all Ethiopians attend during 18-20 January. During these times, the ark (the duplicate of the original ark) of every church will be seen being carried by clergy men. Attendants will wear the most favorite clothes and play (dance) in front of the Ark. This is more original in Lalibela.

Program: Timket (Epiphany) Festival

Tour Code: ATE0062

Duration: 10 Nights (11 Days)

Transportation: Air

Day1: Arrive to Addis. Overnight - hotel

Day2: City Tour of Addis Ababa. Overnight - hotel

Day3: Fly to Bahir Dar for Blue Nile Falls & Monasteries on Lake Tana .Overnight - hotel

Day4: Fly to Gondar for Castles. Overnight - hotel

Day5: Excursion to the Semien Mountains .Overnight – hotel

Day6: fly to Axum and visit all sites in Axum. Overnight – hotel

Day7: fly to Lalibela and visit Churches of Lalibela. Overnight - hotel

Day8: Timket Festival. Overnight – hotel

Day9: Fly back to Addis and fly to Dire Dawa then drive to Harar. Overnight - hotel

Day10: Drive to Dire Dawa and fly to Addis Ababa. Overnight – hotel

Day11: departure

Notice: This itinerary can be amended to any other sightseeing direction up on your request.

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Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)

Genna Festival is celebrated on every 05-08January after a 40 days fasting among Orthodox Christians. On the eve of Christmas or “Genna” as Ethiopians refer to it, people gather in churches to pray in mass that lasts about 3 hours.

The clergies, Priests, Bishop & people lift their voice in hymns and chant just as it has been practiced since 4th century on which Ethiopia (Habasha, Abyssinia) has been accepted Christianity as official religion of the country.

After mass praying, the fast will be broken, and then all classes of people disperse to their homes. Food and drink will be in abundance at these times. Relatives will have a chance to meet and share life and experience. This festival is more traditional in Lalibela.

Program: Christmas (Genna)

Tour Code: ATE0065