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Epiphany Celebrated in Tigrai as Officials Highlight Culture, Recovery, and Tourism
By Chekole Alemu
Maichew, Tigrai. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in Tigrai marked Epiphany, locally known as Timket, with large public celebrations that combined religious devotion, cultural expression, and messages of recovery after years of conflict.
The festival in Maichew drew thousands of worshippers and observers who took part in traditional processions of the Tabots, accompanied by sacred chants, spiritual dances, and communal prayers. Clergy and believers dressed in white garments gathered around water sites for the blessing rituals that symbolize the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Speaking during the celebrations, Dr Atsebeha Gebre Egzabhier, head of the Tigrai Culture and Tourism Bureau, described Timket as a living heritage rather than a staged event. He said the rituals, music, and collective participation reflect the deep spiritual and cultural identity of the people of Tigrai.
Dr Atsebeha also linked the significance of the festival to the region’s broader recovery process. He noted that after years of hardship and widespread destruction caused by the war, communities are rebuilding their lives with resilience and patience. According to him, cultural and religious events play an important role in restoring social cohesion and a sense of dignity.
Addressing the role of tourism, Dr Atsebeha said it should be understood beyond leisure and travel. He emphasized that tourism contributes to healing, cultural exchange, economic recovery, and peace building. He added that visitors to Tigrai support local livelihoods, help protect cultural heritage, and promote mutual understanding.
The Timket celebration, he said, also sends a message that Tigrai is open, safe, and welcoming, as the region seeks to reconnect with domestic and international visitors while continuing its recovery efforts.
Epiphany is celebrated across Ethiopia each year and is one of the most important religious festivals in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. In Tigrai, despite recent challenges, the festival remains a central expression of faith, identity, and communal solidarity.
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