What Is Ethiopian Epiphany

Ethiopian epiphany is a colourful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival on 18 January.

What is Epiphany called in Ethiopia?

Timket (Ge’ez: ጥምቀት) is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebration of Epiphany. It is celebrated on 19 January (or 20 in a leap year), corresponding to the 11th day of Terr in the Ge’ez calendar. Timkat celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.

Why do Ethiopians celebrate timkat?

Timkat commemorates Christ’s baptism and takes place over 3 days. The most important day is the 19th of January and this is when the blessing of water and reaffirming of baptism vows to take place.