Addis Ababa, January 19, 2025 (ENA) —- Tourists visiting Addis Ababa were captivated by the vibrant celebrations of Ethiopian Epiphany, a unique festival that beautifully blends religious devotion with cultural performances.
Many expressed their admiration for the celebration, describing it as special, colorful, and visually impressive.
Ethiopian Epiphany is celebrated nationwide with remarkable color and enthusiasm.
Witnessing the large, vibrant gatherings in Addis Ababa, many tourists encouraged others to experience Ethiopia’s rich traditions firsthand.
Recognized as a UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural heritage, Ethiopian Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.
The festivities include a procession of replicas of the Ark of the Covenant from various monasteries and churches, accompanied by prayers, traditional chanting, and lively cultural displays.
Airton Ribeiro, a Brazilian tourist attending the festival, described Ethiopian Epiphany as a wonderful, amazing, and magnificent celebration.
He expressed his deep love for Ethiopia and its people, recommending everyone to visit the country, particularly during the festival. However, he emphasized that Ethiopia is a remarkable destination year-round, rich in historical and cultural heritage.
“I recommend everyone should come to visit Ethiopia, especially for this festival, but any time of the year, it is a wonderful country. I simply love Ethiopia,” Ribeiro said, also praising the hospitality of the Ethiopian people.
Danielle Rock, a tourist from the U.S., was equally enthusiastic about her unique experience of the Ethiopian Epiphany celebration.
She described it as beautiful and gorgeous, highlighting the colorful celebration of joy and happiness. Rock was particularly impressed by the traditional Ethiopian attire worn by both the followers and clergy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church during the festival.
“It’s a beautiful experience. The ceremony, with everyone coming together, makes the festival both gorgeous and admirable. I just love experiencing it,” she said.
Joachim Gregor Persoon from the Netherlands found the festival to be inspirational, with its magnificent visual impact, bright colors, and beautiful vestments.
He explained that what makes the celebration in Ethiopia so special is both its significance in Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and its public, street-based celebration, which fosters a deep sense of community and solidarity.
“What makes Ethiopian Epiphany more special are two things: its importance in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and its public aspect, the way it is celebrated on the streets, the sense of communality, real sense of solidarity,” he pointed out.
Persoon emphasized that Ethiopia is a unique country, rich in history, cultural sophistication, and deep spirituality, encouraging others to visit and experience it firsthand, explore the monasteries, and engage with the local people.
“I have lived in many African and Middle Eastern countries. Ethiopia stands out due to its wealth of history, cultural sophistication, and profound spirituality. It is truly worthwhile to come here to experience these aspects, visit the monasteries and churches, and interact with the people,” he underlined.
Furthermore, Persoon highlighted that the Ethiopian Epiphany is a significant celebration that attracts large crowds and showcases the country’s vibrant religious and cultural heritage. This event not only provides a deeply meaningful experience for its followers but also plays a key role in promoting the tourism sector’s growth in Ethiopia.
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