Essential Ethiopia Experience
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www.peregrineadventures.co.uk Seven years behind the West, Ethiopia celebrated its new Millennium on September 11th, and in the midst of year-long festivities, important religious festivals such as the Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Lalibela (6th January 08) and Timkat – ‘The Feast of Epiphany’ (19th January 08), also in Lalibela, take on extra significance. Peregrine Adventures offers two departures, from Addis Ababa, of their 12-day Essential Ethiopia Experience - 29th December and 11th January - each timed to coincide with one or other of the festivals.
This cultural adventure takes travellers on an amazing and surprising journey through the rich historical, archaeological and religious heartland of Ethiopia, showcasing a country steeped in beauty and diversity. Peregrine Adventures’ journey focuses on the historically important regions of Bahar Dar, Gondar, Askum and Lalibela, plus visits the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park, an incredible setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
On January 6th the festive season for many Ethiopians begins and Lalibela’s 11 extraordinary subterranean churches, carved out of volcanic rock, often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, are the focus for this great religious event. The population swells with over 60,000 pilgrims from all corners of Ethiopia, arriving to celebrate, dressed in traditional white clothing. For a Peregrine traveller, being part of the festivities offers a rare and exciting glimpse into a rich Orthodox Christian heritage dating back over 1,000 years. There is much feasting, with big bowls of spicy chicken stew.
Timkat or ‘The Feast of Epiphany’ falls on January 19th and is one of the most important religious festivals in Ethiopia. It is a three-day event commencing on the Eve of Timkat with colourful nighttime processions. Priests of Lalibela are resplendent in their ceremonial velvets in jewel colours, providing a dramatic contrast to the dazzling white, traditional dress of the locals. On the main day, Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan is commemorated and the final day is devoted to the Feast of St. Michael, the Archangel, one of the country’s most popular saints.
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Bargin Baboons
Natural history specialists, Naturetrek, offer a 10-day mammal tour of Ethiopia. (15/02/2007)
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