Timket — Ethiopian Epiphanyጥምቀት

The procession of the Tabot

At the heart of Timket is the Tabot — a consecrated replica of the Ark of the Covenant that normally rests in the holy of holies of each church. On the eve of Timket (Ketera), priests wrap each Tabot in rich cloth and carry it in solemn procession, shaded by ceremonial umbrellas, to a body of water or a specially prepared pool, accompanied by singing, drumming and dancing.

Through the night the faithful keep vigil beside the water. At dawn the water is blessed, and the crowd is sprinkled — many wade in — to renew their baptismal vows. The Tabots are then carried back to their churches in a second, jubilant procession.

Where to experience Timket

The celebration at Gondar, held at the 17th-century bath of Emperor Fasilides, is world famous: the ancient stone pool is filled for the occasion and thousands gather along its walls. Addis Ababa's Jan Meda and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela host equally moving observances.

In 2019, UNESCO added Timket to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Wishing someone a happy Timket

You can greet friends and family with “Melkam Timket” (መልካም ጥምቀት) — “Happy Timket.” A greeting card is a lovely way to share the day with those who are far from the processions.