Ethiopian Mayor Calls for Global Recognition Timket Festival

By Asha Elmi - Reporter

Ethiopia, – 19 December 2026 Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie has called for preserving Timket (Epiphany) celebrations and working to enhance their global standing, stressing that the festival represents a deep-rooted religious and cultural heritage that embodies the identity and spiritual values of the Ethiopian people.

Speaking to large crowds of followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church at Jan Meda Square, the mayor highlighted the symbolic significance of Timket, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. She described the occasion as one that promotes peace, harmony, and unity, carrying profound meanings associated with new beginnings and spiritual renewal.

Abiebie urged the public to uphold the values of tolerance and unity and to reject hatred and envy during the celebrations, noting that the festival—inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—serves as a social and religious bridge that strengthens community cohesion and reflects the richness of Ethiopian culture to the international community.

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She also emphasized that Timket brings a spirit of vitality and renewal to Addis Ababa, attracting large numbers of visitors and tourists from around the world. She pointed to close cooperation between the city administration and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in enhancing the capital’s aesthetic and developmental character during the festivities.

The mayor further called on Christians to act as ambassadors of religious and cultural values, contributing to a positive image of Ethiopia at both regional and international levels.

Timket is the Epiphany festival of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated annually on 19 January (or 20 January in leap years), symbolizing spiritual purification and renewal. The festival is regarded as one of Ethiopia’s most prominent religious and cultural events and is officially listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

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