Ethiopia : Timkat, the Baptism celebration

Feature

Ethiopia :Timkat, the Baptism celebration

Š Christophe BOISVIEUX / hemis.fr

Every year, on January 19th, the Timkat or Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany is re-enacting the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. It is at Lalibela, in the heart of the High Plateaux of Abyssinia, in the “Black Jerusalem” founded in the 13th century that this celebration, more sumptuous than Christmas, is celebrated with the most brightness. The day before the Timkat, the Tabots – replicas of the Ark of the Covenant – leave with great ceremony the many Monoliths churches of the city. Invisible to the eyes of the uninitiated the rest of the year, wrapped within rich cloth of brocade, they are carried in procession on the heads of the priests to a tent set up near a basin shaped as a Greek cross. The entire night is devoted to a vigil of prayer and a mass. At dawn, the archbishop of Lalibela dives within the water of the silver cross, symbolizing the Baptism of Christ, before spraying the faithful. In an indescribable turmoil, they throw themselves around the basin to receive their share of blessed rain. Overjoyed, transported with buoyancy, they renew their Baptism wishes. In the afternoon, the Tabots get back to their respective churches in a long procession enameled with splendid worked crosses, given rhythm by songs and dances of dabtaras who beat time with their sistrums and prayer sticks.

HEMIS_351063 : Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, passage leading to the rock-hewn church of Beta Abba Libanos (12-13th century), listed as World Heritage by UNESCO

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Rock-hewn church of Bet Giorgis (12-13th century), listed as World Heritage by UNESCO

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, bridge leading to the fortified church of Bet Gabriel and Rafael, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Medhane Alem, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, The archbishop of Lalibela blessing the faithful during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Medhane Alem, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, mass during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Beta Abba Libanos (12-13th century), listed as World Heritage by UNESCO

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Rock-hewn church of Bet Giorgis (12-13th century), listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Call for the holy mass on the eve of Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Beta Medhane Alem, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Orthodox christian nuns during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Medhane Alem, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Christian devotee during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, Singing dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, Singing dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage

by UNESCO, departure of the Tabots during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage

by UNESCO, departure of the Tabots during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

HEMIS_351074 : Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, departure of the Tabots during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Christian orthodox priest during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, High priests carrying the church Tabots during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, entrance of the Tabots in the tent where they will be kept for the night during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

HEMIS_351085 : Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, High priests carrying the church Tabots during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Young priest blowing a horn to mark the arrival of the Tabots at the end of the first day of Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Singing crowd during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Orthodox priests going round the cross shaped pool where the baptism will take place during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Orthodox priests in prayer before the cross shaped pool where the baptism will take place during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, singing dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Singing dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Singing dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Baptism ceremony during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Baptism ceremony during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Baptism ceremony during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Baptism ceremony during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Baptism ceremony during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

HEMIS_351098 : Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Baptism ceremony during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, High priest carrying a Tabot during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Cheerful crowd during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Cross holder during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers) during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers) during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers) during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, The archbishop of Lalibela leading the dance of the Dabtaras during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Christian orthodox priest during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Singing devotees during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Singing dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

HEMIS_351119 : Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Crowd watching the return of the Tabots during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtaras or choristers during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Return of the procession and Tabot bearers to the church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Return of the procession and Tabot bearers to the church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Return of the procession and Tabot bearers to the church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Church of Bet Giorgis, listed as World Heritage

by UNESCO, Traditional Ethiopian shoulder dance or Eskesta during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus

Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Return of the procession and Tabot bearers to the church of Bet Giorgis during Timkat festival which takes place every year on the 19th of January marking the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrations of the Epiphany, the festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus