President Taye Touches Down in Gondar Ahead of Spectacular Epiphany Festivities

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2026 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie has arrived in Gondar to attend the Timket celebrations, in the historic city often regarded as the “Camelot” of Ethiopia’s UNESCO-inscribed Epiphany festival.

The President was accompanied by senior federal and regional officials, including representatives from the House of Federation and Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede.

Upon arrival, they were warmly received by city administration officials, senior clergy, elders, and residents from Gondar and surrounding area, a welcome reflecting the deep communal and spiritual significance of the occasion.

Timket, locally known as Baptism, is a public holiday observed not only as a religious commemoration but also as a vibrant cultural festival.

Ethiopians traditionally wear new or freshly washed garments and gather in public spaces in a spirit of renewal and dignity.

In rural areas, the festival coincides with the harvest season, while for many youths, it is also a time for social bonding, courtship, and family reunions.

Across the country, followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church observe Ketera on the eve of Timket, symbolizing the blocking of water in preparation for the next day’s baptismal rituals.

 The festival commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan and is celebrated every January.

During Ketera, the Tabot, a sacred replica of the Ark of the Covenant—is carried by senior priests from each church to nearby rivers, lakes, or pools where the baptismal rituals will take place the following day.

 Large crowds accompany their parish Tabots to the Timket Bahir bathing sites, where the sacred objects remain overnight amid prayers, hymns, and liturgical services.

The main Timket celebration begins before sunrise, featuring rituals and the sprinkling of holy water on the congregation.

On the day after Timket, each Tabot is returned to its respective church in colorful processions, except for those of Archangels Michael and Raphael, which remain at the bathing sites for an additional day with more elaborate ceremonies.

Timket has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its enduring spiritual, cultural, and global significance.