19th January - Timkat

Timkat festival celebrates the Ethiopian Epiphany, on 19 January (or 20 in a leap year).

During the three-day festival, the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan is re-enacted. Thousands in white robes gather for processions, chanting, dancing and praying.

On the first day, models of the Ark of the Covenant are carried to a body of water. These are said to be copies of the container for the two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments are written, aka tabots. This image is from Amazon, where they are readily available.

On the second morning, there are ceremonies and prayers with priests in colourful robes, umbrellas, red carpets, and lots of incense.

On the third day the leaders bless the water. It is then sprinkled on the attendants for their annual baptism.