The heritage and rituals of Epiphany in Ethiopia

 

Ethiopia is a country rich in cultural and religious festivals that have a long history. Every year, these festivals are celebrated across the nation, with twelve of them having achieved international recognition and registration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This recognition has positioned Ethiopia as a leader in Africa regarding its cultural heritage.

Epiphany is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The Epiphany festival was officially designated as world heritage on December 1, 2012, and is celebrated annually on January 11 by followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This date commemorates the day Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist when He was 30 years old, which is believed to have occurred on January 11, 31 AD.

According to official documents on heritage research and protection, the celebration of  Epiphany began at the national level in the 4th century when Kings Abrhana and Atsaba accepted Christianity and established it as the national religion.  Epiphany is celebrated across the country, particularly in Axum, Lalibela, Gondar—specifically at Emperor Fasil's swimming pool—and in Addis Ababa. During this celebration, Christian communities don traditional attire and celebrate with tourists from various countries. Our country's saying is often referred to as "Let a garment not fit for baptism be torn."

The Epiphany festival is one of the key events that enhance the social values of Ethiopians. During this celebration, hospitality is an important aspect, with every household inviting friends and relatives to share meals together. Neighbors support one another, especially those in need. The festival is celebrated peacefully, showcasing the traditional dress of various nationalities, which plays a significant role in promoting the country's image to the international community.

Each year, numerous visitors, diplomats, and ambassadors from various countries come together to celebrate the  Epiphany and observe the ceremony. This year, special arrangements have been made to ensure a grand celebration. The festival's organizers and coordinators have indicated that promotional activities started earlier to attract as many foreign and domestic visitors as possible.

The cities of Addis Ababa and Gondar are among those where the festival is celebrated in unique ways. During the festival, many foreign and domestic visitors, as well as participants, are expected to attend. Consequently, extensive preparations are underway to enhance tourism in these cities and capitalize on the region's revenue. According to local government officials and festival organizers, this year's baptism festival will be celebrated to strengthen Ethiopians' unity and foster people-to-people ties with neighboring countries.

In Gondar city, the festival aims to be different this year under the theme "Ethiopia Re-Baptism in Gondar." The week of January 1st to 12th has been designated as  Epiphany Festival Week, featuring a variety of events such as cultural showcases, a beauty contest, celebrations for Emperor Tewodros' birthday, a bazaar, music parties, and more. 

Apart from its deep religious significance, the celebration of Epiphany carries substantial social importance. This vibrant festival not only strengthens the bonds of solidarity among community members but also generates considerable economic benefits for the region. This year, the  Epiphany festival, honored as a world heritage event, unfolds in the context of a global crisis, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Therefore, the celebration must be conducted in a manner that strictly follows safety protocols and regulations to protect all participants and professionals involved. This is the guiding message we wish to convey.

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