Foreign Envoys Praise Ethiopia’s Deep-Rooted Religious and Cultural Heritage During Ketera Observances

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2026 (FMC)— Ethiopia’s rich religious and cultural heritage has drawn wide admiration from ambassadors and senior representatives of international organizations, who described the country as a nation of remarkable spiritual depth and historic traditions that the world should witness, following the Ketera celebrations in Gondar.

Ketera, the solemn eve of Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany), was marked across the country on January 18, 2026, with millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faithful participating in colorful and deeply spiritual observances — a prelude to one of the most significant dates on the Ethiopian liturgical calendar.

In the historic city of Gondar, the outdoor festivities unfolded with breathtaking splendor as sacred tabots—holy replicas of the Ark of the Covenant—were ceremonially escorted to the Bahre-Timket baptismal site amid majestic liturgical chants, vibrant processions, and centuries-old rituals. The event attracted foreign ambassadors, heads of international institutions, tourists, and thousands of worshippers, reflecting Ethiopia’s enduring role as a beacon of spiritual depth and cultural continuity.

Armenian Ambassador to Ethiopia Sahak Sargsyan underscored the profound spiritual connection between Ethiopia and Armenia, rooted in shared ancient Christian traditions. He described Timket as “a magnificent public celebration of faith,” noting that the harmony of choral songs, the brilliance of ceremonial colours, and the reverence of the rituals create a spiritually uplifting experience that “must be seen, felt, and experienced.”

Finland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Sinikka Anttila also praised Ethiopia’s vibrant religious and cultural traditions, saying that Timket is one of the remarkable celebrations that captivate visitors. She emphasised that the depth of faith and the beauty of customary practices are truly inspiring.

Rita Bissoonauth, UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia, highlighted the global cultural significance of Ethiopia’s heritage, recalling that Timket is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. She noted that Ethiopia’s religious and cultural values are diverse, vibrant, and deeply meaningful, offering invaluable lessons for humanity and deserving recognition, preservation, and sustained international engagement.

The glowing testimonials from foreign envoys and international officials during the Ketera celebrations reaffirm Ethiopia’s enduring position as a cradle of ancient civilisation, faith, and cultural resilience — a timeless invitation for the world to visit, learn, and be inspired, as reported by local news agency ENA.