Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Animal Market
( 8.30am-3.30pm Sat)
The animal market, south of town and a bit west of the out-of-
place high-rise, is one of the biggest in the north. It's ripe with donkeys, goats, sheep and
cows but no camels. These are only sold straight from the huge caravans that pass through
the nearby countryside from the Danakil to Sudan.
MARKET
MARKET
Main Market
( 8am-6pm)
The main market, with spices and the like, runs all week, but is busiest on
Saturday.
Old Quarter
It's worth taking a wander around the old quarter surrounding the Northern Stelae Field
and stretching west to Ta'akha Maryam. It's in these dusty streets that it really hits you
how Aksum is more than just a collection of dead ruins; rather it's a living, breathing
community where the past persists. Camels and donkeys carting heavy loads trudge past
homes that feel as ancient as the ruins, and pilgrims in white stream in from the coun-
tryside.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Festivals & Events
Though smaller than that in Gonder, Aksum's
Timkat
celebrations, held at Queen of
Sheba's Bath, are just as interesting.
Hosanna
(Palm Sunday) is also a big deal here. For
more information on these festivals,
Click here
.
Festival of Maryam Zion
This is one of Ethiopia's largest festivals. In the days leading up to the event on 30
November, thousands of pilgrims arrive and sleepy Aksum truly awakens. Celebrations
start in front of the Northern Stelae Field, where the monarchs of the Orthodox church
line the steps and watch performers in the street below.
For an unforgettable experience make your way to the compound of the St Mary of
Zion church between 1am and sunrise on the day of the festival and witness a sea of
white-robed pilgrims curled up asleep. Standing among the slowly shifting sea are a few
scattered priests reading by candlelight.
RELIGIOUS
Mehelela
RELIGIOUS
