Timkat: the festival of the baptism

Timkat: the festival of the baptism

Each year on January 19, Timkat, or the festival of Epiphany,commemorates the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. Thisholiday, more lavish than Christmas, is celebrated with themost pageantry in Lalibela, the "Black Jerusalem" .

A Photo story by Christophe Boisvieux/LightMediation - A longer text is available -

2619-24: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Wrapped in richcloth, the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are born in procession on the heads of the priests to a neary body of water on the afternoon of the eve of Timkat. The following morning the crowds gather

around the water, which is blessed, then splashed onto them. The Tabots are then paraded back to their respective churches accompanied by much singing and dancing.

Contact - Thierry Tinacci - LightMediation Photo Agency - +33 (0)6 61 80 57 21 email: [email protected]

2619-01: Rock-hewn church of Bieta Giyorgis (12-13th century), Lalibela, Ethiopia 2619-02: Bridge leading to the fortified church of Bieta Gabriel and Rufael, Lalibela, Ethiopia

2619-03: Passage leading to the rock-hewn church of Bieta Abba Libanos, Lalibela, Ethiopia 2619-04: Church of Bieta Abba Libanos (12-13th century), Lalibela, Ethiopia

2619-05: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Call for the holy mass on the eve ofTimkat. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The

2619-06: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem, Timkat mass . Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of

2619-07: thiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem, The archbishop of Lalibelablessing the faithful

2619-08: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem, Orthodox christian nuns.Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival

2619-40: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Baptism ceremony. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are born in procession on the heads of the priests to a neary body of water on the afternoon of the eve of Timkat. The following morning the

crowds gather around the water, which is blessed, then splashed onto them. The Tabots are then paraded back to their respective churches accompanied by much singing and dancing.

2619-09: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem, Christian devotee. Every yearon january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the

2619-10: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Singing dabtaras or choristers.Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival

2619-11: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Singing dabtaras or choristers.Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival

2619-12: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Timkat festival, Departure of the Tabots. Every yearon january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the



2619-15: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival.Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival

2619-16: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.


2619-18: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Cross holder. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan



2619-21: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Christian orthodox priest. Every year on january 19, Timkatmarks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in




2619-02: Bridge leading to the fortified church of Bieta Gabriel and Rufael, Lalibela, Ethiopia

2619-25: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, High priest carrying the church Tabots. Every year on january19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of

2619-26: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, High priests carrying the church Tabots. Every year on january19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of

2619-27: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Entrance of the Tabots in the tent where they will be kept forthe night. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany.

2619-28: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Young priest blowing a horn to mark the arrival of the Tabots at the end of thefirst day of Timkat festival. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of

2619-29: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Singing crowd. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

2619-30: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Orthodox priests going round the cross shaped pool where thebaptism will take place. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the

2619-31: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Orthodox priests in prayer before the cross shaped pool wherethe baptism will take place. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of

2619-32: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Singing dabtaras or choristers. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of

2619-17: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Wrapped in richcloth, the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are born in procession on the heads of the priests to a neary body of water on the afternoon of the eve of Timkat. The following morning the crowds gather

around the water, which is blessed, then splashed onto them. The Tabots are then paraded back to their respective churches accompanied by much singing and dancing.



2619-35: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Baptism ceremony. Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the


2619-52: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtaras or choristers. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are born in procession on the heads of the priests to a neary body of water on the afternoon of the eve

of Timkat. The following morning the crowds gather around the water, which is blessed, then splashed onto them. The Tabots are then paraded back to their respective churches accompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-41: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, High priest carrying a Tabot. Every year on january 19, Timkatmarks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in

2619-42: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Cheerful crowd. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan


2619-44: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Cross holder. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

2619-45: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers). Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the



2619-48: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, The archbishop of Lalibela leading the dance of the Dabtaras.Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival

2619-49: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Singing devotees. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

2619-50: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Christian orthodox priest. Every year on january 19, Timkatmarks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in


2619-52: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtaras or choristers. Everyyear on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival




2619-56: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Return of the procession and Tabot bearers to the church ofBieta Giyorgis. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the

2619-07: thiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem, The archbishop of Lalibela blessing the faithful Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark of

the Covenant) are born in procession on the heads of the priests to a neary body of water on the afternoon of the eve of Timkat. The following morning the crowds gather around the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are then paraded back to their respective churches accompanied by much singing and dancing.



2619-59: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Crowd watching the return of theTabots. Every year on january 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. The


Lalibela - Timkat: the festival ofthe baptism.

Each year on January 19, Timkat, or the festival of Epiphany,commemorates the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. This holiday, morelavish than Christmas, is celebrated with the most pageantry in Lalibela, the"Black Jerusalem" founded in the 13th century in the heart of the highAbyssinian plateaus. The evening before Timkat, the Tabots ? replicas ofthe Ark of the Covenant ? leave the many monolithic churches of the citywith great pomp. Kept out of sight of laymen the rest of the year,enshrouded in rich brocade, they are paraded on the heads of the priests toa tent erected next to a pond in the form of a Greek cross. The entire nightis devoted to a vigil of prayer and a mass. At the first light of dawn, thearchbishop of Lalibela plunges a silver cross into the water, symbolizing thebaptism of Christ, before sprinkling the faithful with it. In an indescribabletumult, they rush to the pool to partake in this shower of holy water. Drunkwith joy, transported by elation, they symbolically renew their baptismalvows. In the afternoon, the Tabots return to their respective churches in along procession studded with magnificent, finely carved crosses,accompanied by the songs and dances of the Dabtaras beating the tempowith their sistrums and prayer sticks.

Captions

2619-01: Rock-hewn church of BietaGiyorgis (12-13th century), Lalibela,Ethiopia

2619-02: Bridge leading to the fortifiedchurch of Bieta Gabriel and Rufael,Lalibela, Ethiopia

2619-03: Passage leading to therock-hewn church of Bieta Abba Libanos,Lalibela, Ethiopia

2619-04: Church of Bieta Abba Libanos(12-13th century), Lalibela, Ethiopia

2619-05: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkatfestival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Call forthe holy mass on the eve of Timkat. Everyyear on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-06: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Church ofBieta Medhane Alem, Timkat mass . Everyyear on january 19, Timkat marks theEthiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are

born in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-07: thiopia, Lalibela, Timkat festival,Church of Bieta Medhane Alem, Thearchbishop of Lalibela blessing the faithful Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-08: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkatfestival, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem,Orthodox christian nuns. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-09: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkatfestival, Church of Bieta Medhane Alem,Christian devotee. Every year on january19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-10: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkatfestival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Singingdabtaras or choristers. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-11: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Timkatfestival, Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Singingdabtaras or choristers. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession on

the heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-12: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Church ofBieta Giyorgis, Timkat festival, Departureof the Tabots. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-13: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Church ofBieta Giyorgis, Timkat festival, Departureof the Tabots. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-14: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Church of

Bieta Giyorgis, Timkat festival, Departureof the Tabots. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-15: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-16: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of the

priests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.


2619-18: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Cross holder. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-19: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the

Epiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.


2619-21: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Christian orthodox priest. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singing

and dancing.



2619-24: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. The

following morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-25: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,High priest carrying the church Tabots.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-26: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,High priests carrying the church Tabots.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-27: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Entrance of the Tabots in the tent wherethey will be kept for the night. Every yearon january 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-28: Ethiopia, Lalibela, Young priestblowing a horn to mark the arrival of theTabots at the end of the first day of Timkatfestival. Every year on january 19, Timkatmarks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrationof the Epiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-29: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Singing crowd. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on the

heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-30: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Orthodox priests going round the crossshaped pool where the baptism will takeplace. Every year on january 19, Timkatmarks the Ethiopian Orthodox celebrationof the Epiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-31: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Orthodox priests in prayer before thecross shaped pool where the baptism willtake place. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-32: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Singing dabtaras or choristers. Every yearon january 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.


2619-34: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Singing dabtaras or choristers. Every yearon january 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowds

gather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-35: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Baptism ceremony. Every year on january19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.


2619-37: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Baptism ceremony. Every year on january

19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.


2619-39: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Baptism ceremony. Every year on january19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respective

churches accompanied by much singingand dancing.


2619-41: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,High priest carrying a Tabot. Every yearon january 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-42: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Cheerful crowd. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body of

water on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.


2619-44: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Cross holder. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-45: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers).Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the

Epiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-46: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers).Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-47: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Ritual dance of the Dabtaras (choristers).Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on the

afternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-48: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,The archbishop of Lalibela leading thedance of the Dabtaras. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the EthiopianOrthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-49: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Singing devotees. Every year on january19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-50: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Christian orthodox priest. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian

Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.


2619-52: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtarasor choristers. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respective

churches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-53: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtarasor choristers. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-54: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Ritual dance and chanting of the dabtarasor choristers. Every year on january 19,Timkat marks the Ethiopian Orthodoxcelebration of the Epiphany. The festivalreenacts the baptism of Jesus in theJordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth, thechurch Tabots (replicas of the Ark of theCovenant) are born in procession on theheads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-55: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are

born in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.


2619-56: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Return of the procession and Tabotbearers to the church of Bieta Giyorgis.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are then

paraded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-57: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Return of the procession and Tabotbearers to the church of Bieta Giyorgis.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-58: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Return of the procession and Tabotbearers to the church of Bieta Giyorgis.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-59: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Church of Bieta Giyorgis, Crowd watchingthe return of the Tabots. Every year onjanuary 19, Timkat marks the Ethiopian

Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. Thefestival reenacts the baptism of Jesus inthe Jordan River. Wrapped in rich cloth,the church Tabots (replicas of the Ark ofthe Covenant) are born in procession onthe heads of the priests to a neary body ofwater on the afternoon of the eve ofTimkat. The following morning the crowdsgather around the water, which is blessed,then splashed onto them. The Tabots arethen paraded back to their respectivechurches accompanied by much singingand dancing.

2619-60: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Church of Bieta Giyorgis, TraditionalEthiopian shoulder dance or Eskesta.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gatheraround the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

2619-61: Ethiopia, Lalibela,Timkat festival,Return of the procession and Tabotbearers to the church of Bieta Giyorgis.Every year on january 19, Timkat marksthe Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of theEpiphany. The festival reenacts thebaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.Wrapped in rich cloth, the church Tabots(replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) areborn in procession on the heads of thepriests to a neary body of water on theafternoon of the eve of Timkat. Thefollowing morning the crowds gather

around the water, which is blessed, thensplashed onto them. The Tabots are thenparaded back to their respective churchesaccompanied by much singing anddancing.

Timkat: the festival of the baptism

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Transcript of Timkat: the festival of the baptism