Timkat

Overrated? Wow. I found the churches completely awe-inspiring. Of course I visited in mid-December, when only a few tourists were in town.

Why would you go to a religious mecca if you didn't want to see a lot of people?

Lalibela IMO is one of the must see places in this world of ours.
It is really the major attraction in Ethiopia.
I stayed there a week in November a couple of years ago and there were very few travellers in town.

I guess its a bit like going to France and not seeing the Eifel Tower with associated tourists. You cant seperate the two sometimes.

msfour is correct when she states Lalibela as awe-inspiring. I agree with her 100%.

Lalibela was my first 'sight' in Ethiopia and I loved it, despite the masses of tourists. I was there during the Orthodox Xmas and so where hundreds of pilgrims from all over Ethiopia - to me it was simply amazing
I was in Gondar on Timkat and it was also pretty fabulous.For me, what is most touching is that these things mean so much to the locals, people travelled from all over Ethiopia to participate in these events - and I was not bothered by the presence of tourists. I found tourist facilities in Lalibela quite sufficient, all I needed was a decent hotel room, which I had, and a nice guide to show me around, translate for me, etc. In Gondar my hotel room was not so nice, but I still loved the town, the people, Timkat, everything, but then I loved all Ethiopia equally.

Agree with the above, for me Lalibella was one of the two most amazing experiences I have had in Africa, Personally I hate to spend money, but even after spending birr 200 I felt that it was worth it.
I am not Gonders biggest fan, most tourists who are in Ethiopia go to Gonder for Timkat as there is a huge festival at fasilidas pool.
I actually chose to be in Axum as many people make the pilgrimage to Maryam Tsion (the holiest church in Ethiopia).
Jeraboa