Timkat in Amharic means “baptism” and refers to the celebration of the Epiphany every year on January 19th. It represents the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah when he arrived at the Jordan River to be baptised.
In this ceremony the faithful are blessed by pouring or sprinkling water on their heads. Large gatherings of believers celebrate these occasions by following priests who lead them to the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant, in long processions in which the colours of their clothes and parasols and the elegance of the faithful in their white robes provide an impressive and moving experience. However, what strikes one most is the feeling expressed by the participants, which is far removed from the purely traditional, and for whom this celebration is an authentic act of faith.
