01 · MEANING
What it means.
Timket commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. At its centre are tabots, sacred replicas of the Ark of the Covenant kept in Ethiopian Orthodox churches.
02 · TRADITION
How it is marked.
On Ketera, the eve of Timket, priests carry each tabot in a richly covered procession to water. After overnight prayer, water is blessed and sprinkled over the congregation before the tabots return to their churches.
03 · EXPERIENCE
What you may see.
Gondar's Fasilides Bath is the most famous setting, but Timket is celebrated nationwide. White clothing, embroidered umbrellas, drums, sistrums and bright clerical vestments make the processions unmistakable.