Timket, the Ethiopian Epiphany
Timket is the colorful Ethiopian celebration of Christ's baptism, with processions behind the tabot. Here is when it falls and what happens.
Timket, the celebration of the baptism of Christ, is the most colorful festival of the Ethiopian year.
When it is
Timket falls on January 19 most years (January 20 in the year before a leap year), a few days after Genna.
What happens
Priests carry the tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, in procession under ceremonial umbrellas, followed by singing and prayer. Water is blessed and sprinkled on the crowd to renew baptismal vows. It is a joyful, community-wide celebration.
Water is blessed and sprinkled on the crowd to renew baptismal vows.
Frequently asked
When is Timket?
Timket is celebrated on January 19 in most years.
What is the tabot?
The tabot is a consecrated replica of the Ark of the Covenant, carried in procession during Timket.
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