The Timkat Festival in Ethiopia is a stunning celebration of Epiphany, filled with spiritual significance, music, dancing and colourful processions. Starting on January 19, this Orthodox Christian festival marks the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Crowds gather near pools and rivers for blessings, while priests carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant.
What is Timkat Festival Ethopia
The Timkat Festival dates back centuries and has its roots in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist and is one of the most sacred religious festivals in Ethiopia. The word Timkat means “baptism” in Amharic. The central symbol of the celebration is the Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, which is carried in elaborate processions to blessed water sources. This ancient tradition blends religious devotion with joyful community celebration.
What to Expect at Timkat Festival 2026
If you ever get the chance to experience the Timkat Festival, take it—this is a celebration unlike any other. It all begins on the first day of the festival, known as Ketera, when priests carry the Tabots from churches to a nearby body of water. These replicas of the Ark of the Covenant are draped in velvet and silk, and escorted with vibrant chanting, drumming, and dancing.
The next morning, before sunrise, crowds gather at the water for the blessing ceremony. The water is sanctified and sprinkled over the participants, with some fully immersing themselves in a symbolic renewal of their baptism. The atmosphere is truly electric—joyful singing, the scent of frankincense, and traditional white clothing, or habesha, that is decorated with some embroidery or patterning.
After the blessing, the Tabots are returned to their churches in more celebratory processions. The day is filled with feasting, music, and dancing in the streets. Many cities continue the celebration into day three of the national holiday, with post-festival gatherings and religious services.
Where Does the Timkat Festival Take Place?
The Timkat Festival is celebrated throughout Ethiopia, but the most famous and vibrant celebrations occur in Gondar, a historic city in the north. Other popular locations include Addis Ababa and Lalibela, where ancient rock-hewn churches add a stunning backdrop to the religious ceremonies.
To attend, you don’t need a ticket, but booking a guided tour is a possibility. These should include local transport and/or accommodation, and guides.
What to Eat and Drink
During the festival, locals often share injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread, served with spicy stews like doro wat (chicken stew) and shiro (chickpea stew). Traditional tej (a honey wine) is also popular. Food is often eaten communally, adding to the spirit of sharing and celebration.
What to do in Ethiopia
Beyond the Timkat Festival, Ethiopia is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. Highly recommended, are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Simien Mountains, the largest national park in Ethiopia, offer great trekking opportunities with views of dramatic cliffs and rare wildlife. History lovers shouldn’t miss Axum, once home to the Queen of Sheba and a supposed resting place of the real Ark of the Covenant. Addis Ababa, the bustling capital, has great museums, markets, and coffee shops.
Flights to Ethiopia
From London, fly direct with Ethiopian Airlines from Heathrow to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in just under 8 hours.
From Miami, the most direct route includes a layover in Heathrow, Istanbul or Frankfurt, followed by a connecting flight to Addis Ababa.
From New York, Ethiopian Airlines offers direct flights from Newark to Addis Ababa, taking around 13 hours.
From Los Angeles, expect at least one layover, typically in Europe or the Middle East, with a total journey time of 17–20 hours.
To reach Gondar or Lalibela from Addis Ababa, take a one-hour domestic flight or a scenic (but long) bus ride of about 10 hours. Flights are quick, making internal travel easy.
Ethiopia Time
Ethiopia is 2 hours ahead of London (GMT+2) and 7 hours ahead of New York (EST+7).
More information on Ethiopia
To discover the great things to do in Ethiopia visit the official tourism website: https://www.visitethiopia.et/.
