Ethiopia
Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia celebrated Timket - a festival that marks the baptism of Jesus - on Saturday in the capital Addis Ababa.
The UNESCO-inscribed festival of the Epiphany began on Friday with the ritual of each church carrying a Tabot - a sacred replica of the Ark of the Covenant.
In the ritual, the Tabot is covered with cloth and carried by priests to a nearby water source. Hundreds of thousands of people in white robes gather to sing spiritual songs and chant.
Early Saturday pre-sunrise rituals began in Jan Meda, where thousands gathered for prayers and liturgical services.
Priests sprinkled holy water on the assembled congregation commemorating Christ’s baptism.
Ethiopia's Feast of the Epiphany is one of the highest and holiest holidays in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar and is celebrated on Jan. 19 every year.
Timket used to be very famous in Gondar, a city in the northern Amhara region. However, due to ongoing conflict between government forces and rebels in the area, many people now prefer to celebrate in Addis Ababa.
01:09
Ethiopia, Kenya dominate Madrid marathon
02:20
Moroccan city of Fez celebrates the Sufi culture
01:02
Pics of the day: April 25, 2024
00:49
London Marathon: Women's-only world record, Kenyan double victory
02:13
Ghana's John Akomfrah represents Britain at Venice Biennale
02:20
'Fietan du Burkina', the dance troupe empowering the deaf