The Coptic Orthodox Church’s Epiphany , which is celebrated every year in mid-January(from 19th) , is the first religious festivals of Ethiopia. The Timkat commemorates Jesus's baptism in the Jordan and the most sincere celebrations are blessing of the water and the exposure of the Tabot ( a reproduction of the Ark of the Alleance ) through the streets of the city. How to Lalibela to Axum and Gondar , some of the most devout city , crowds of worshipers come from all over the country. In the town of Axum , the Timkat still has an authentic taste . In the church of S.maria of Zion, in the small town’s center , the day starts early during these days , at 5 am people gather for the first vigils , the faces of the women with the inseparable Netela , the typical white shawl with which one covers the head , are lighted only by the dim lights of the long candles . You breathe meditation and prayer of the faithful who in silence are listening to the sounds of the drums and preachers sermons before the great procession through the streets of the city. The water (symbol of the baptism of Jesus) has a very strong symbolic meaning for Coptic Orthodox believers. The Bath of the Queen of Saba in Axum is a reservoir considered sacred . Every day with large yellow canisters women take the water to take home , wash their clothes , boys take the opportunity to swim. During the festival , this huge bath is blessed and it is said that he who drinks this water will not get sick . In Lalibela, the ancestral cave churches close, like a precious jewel , a time of prayer intimate, personal . In small chapels , covered with carpets there is devotion and meditation, the believers pray before the holy icons , sacred books are kissed, it leans to the liturgical inlaid sticks . Coded gestures are repeated for centuries as themselves while keeping intact their mysticism and religious appeal of this festival
