President Taye Arrives in Gondar City Ahead of Timket Festival Celebrations

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2026 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie has arrived in Gondar to participate in the Timket festivities, held in the historic city often referred to as the “Camelot” of Ethiopia’s UNESCO-recognized 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 received a warm welcome from city administration officials, senior clergy, elders, and residents from Gondar and surrounding areas—a reflection of the festival’s deep communal and spiritual significance.

Timket, locally known as Baptism, is 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 aligns 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, a ritual that symbolizes the preparation and sanctification of water for the next day’s baptismal ceremonies.

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 be performed 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 following 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, accompanied by more elaborate ceremonies.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Timket continues to hold enduring spiritual, cultural, and global significance.