Foreign Visitors Describe Ethiopian Epiphany as Living Symbol of Unity, Faith

Addis Ababa, January 19, 2026 (ENA)—Foreign visitors attending Ketera, the solemn eve of the Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) celebration at Jan Meda, said the festival offers the international community a powerful and authentic portrait of Ethiopia’s unity, social solidarity, and deeply rooted religious and cultural values.

Ketera, the eve of Timket, was celebrated nationwide with solemn processions and colorful rituals, drawing large gatherings of worshippers alongside foreign guests.

 Visitors who spoke to the Ethiopian News Agency described the event as a rare and moving experience that brings Ethiopia’s ancient history, strong faith, and social harmony together in one setting.

 Marc Dagu, a visitor from France, said the scale of participation was particularly striking, pointing to the strong atmosphere of love and togetherness among the faithful.

 He noted that the traditional white garments worn by worshippers added dignity and visual splendor to the celebration.

Observing the scene at Jan Meda, he highlighted the joy, devotion, and sense of peace reflected on the faces of participants, and stressed that Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity and long history deserve broader international attention.

Another French visitor, Sophia Gabriel, described Ketera as a unique festival rarely witnessed elsewhere in the world.

 She said the warm hospitality extended to visitors made the celebration even more appealing and described Addis Ababa as a friendly and attractive destination for tourists, encouraging others to visit the country.

Reflecting on the spiritual dimension of the event, Gabriel noted that Ethiopia’s Epiphany celebration stands apart from similar observances in Europe and other regions.

She said the deep religious conviction of the people could be felt throughout the celebration, giving the festival a powerful spiritual presence.

Ras Sacha, a visitor from Germany, said witnessing millions of people celebrating together created a profound spiritual atmosphere.

 He stressed the importance of preserving Timket, which is registered by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, noting that the festival plays a significant role in promoting tourism and educating the international community.

 The visitors also expressed interest in traveling to other parts of Ethiopia, saying the Ketera and Timket celebrations offer a meaningful gateway to understanding the country’s history, faith, and cultural diversity.