Drums, chants and celebrations as Ethiopians mark the baptism of Jesus
Written by BBC on January 20, 2026
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians have been celebrating the festival of Timket, or Epiphany, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.
In the town of Batu, on the shores of Lake Dambal in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, priests from the local churches escort replicas of the Ark of Covenant – also known as tabots – which, according to tradition, contain the Biblical Ten Commandments.
Anadolu via Getty Images Drummers from the churches sing spiritual songs as they accompany their community’s tabot.
Anadolu via Getty Images
Anadolu via Getty Images The churches’ processional crucifixes are also brought along.
Anadolu via Getty Images
Andalou via Getty Images Once the tabots are gathered in one place, the priests lead a prayer ceremony.
Anadolu via Getty Images Worshippers watch on as the ceremony unfolds.
Anadolu via Getty Images In the capital, Addis Ababa, a priest conducted a symbolic baptism.
EBC
EPA Hundreds of thousands of people across the country turned out to mark Timket.
