UNESCO marks Ethiopian epiphany as intangible cultural heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed Ethiopian epiphany on its lists of intangible cultural heritage. Now it has become the 4^th intangible cultural heritage of Ethiopia next to Meskel, the Gada system and Fichee Chambalaalla.

Ethiopian epiphany is a colourful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival on January 18. The eve is known as Ketera, which means blocking the flow of water for the blessing of the celebrants.

The eve is called Ketera, which means blocking the flow of water for the blessing of the celebrants. On the eve of Ketera, people escort their parish church tabot (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) to Timkete-Bahir (a pool, river or artificial reservoir), transported by a priest of the parish and accompanied by a great ceremony.

The people spend the night attending night-long prayers and hymn services, including the Eucharistic Liturgy. Hundreds of thousands participate in the actual festival on the following day, January 19.