Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered on Monday for Timkat, the Epiphany celebration that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. The festival, one of the most significant in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar, was marked by prayers, processions, and symbolic re-enactments of baptism.
In Batu, a town on the western shore of Lake Dambal in the Oromia Region, thousands of pilgrims entered the lake waters after priests blessed them. The act symbolically re-enacted baptism and embraced the festival’s themes of purification, renewal, and faith.
In the capital, Addis Ababa, many waited for the tabots, symbols of the Ark of the Covenant, which were ritually carried to public spaces for overnight prayers before being returned to their home churches amid spectacular displays of reverence. Similar celebrations were held across the country, including at the 17th-century Fasilides Fortress in Gondar, located in the war-torn Amhara region.
Timkat is regarded by the faithful as nearly as important as Easter and Christmas. In 2019, UNESCO inscribed it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “We are celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, and our hearts are filled with joy,” said Bereket Adugna, 43, who travelled from Addis Ababa to Batu with his family.
Thousands took part in ceremonies where tabots were escorted by priests in colourful robes carrying ceremonial umbrellas from churches to lakeshores or rivers amid chants and hymns. “For us Ethiopians, Epiphany is an opportunity to share what we have with those who need our help,” said deacon Asnake Dechasa.
The celebrations come at a challenging time for Ethiopia, with escalating tensions with neighbouring Eritrea and a worsening famine. Humanitarian organisations warn that millions of Ethiopians need emergency food aid, amid declining support from Western nations.
