Foreign tourist marvel at rituals during Timket celebration in Ethiopia

Foreign tourists who took part in the celebration ‘Ketera’, the eve of Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket), expressed their excitement with the stunning and richness of the country’s cultures depicted in the event while calling other to visit this east African nation and witness the beauty in person. A number of foreign tourists have attended the celebration of the Timket holiday in Addis Ababa.

Andrew Ellis, from the USA, told ENA that Ethiopia has unique historical and cultural heritages appreciating the Timket festival as a vibrant and spectacular event.

“This is very exciting. This is really a big event that evokes pleasure. It is a blessing for me to be able to come in and see the festivities here at Timket, and to see how people in Ethiopia celebrate their religious holiday.”

Ethiopia has a very rich culture which is very interesting because when you go to different regions each region is very distinct. They have their own culture, their own language that’s different from the United States, he added.

“It’s very interesting for me as a foreigner as somebody from the United States to see the rich culture of Ethiopia,” he said, adding “I feel very fortunate that I am able to come here and visit.”

Noting this festival was part of UNESCO, he said, adding I have seen other UNESCO sites here in Ethiopia. This one is just an example of specially in its richness of culture.

Ellis reiterated that I absolutely would encourage other foreigners to come to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to experience the rich culture and experience events such as this Timket.

He applauded the people of Ethiopia for their hospitality and very friendly welcome.

Moreover, Ellis who also visited the Afar region expressed his admiration during his visit.

“It’s really fascinating to just really see the history of mankind and the history of humanity begins here, this area of Africa. I mean the fact that Lucy was found in Afar and others as well. It shows that humanity began here in Ethiopia and so around the world, we are all African and in a way we are all Ethiopian,” he described.

Sylvkin Tiako, who came from Cameroon for the first time to attended the Timket festival, described the celebration as a unique event.

“It is a more colorful event. You see, people come together, churches are bound together to deliver this message of unity and everything.”

“It’s a unique feeling. I’m kind of proud of being here as it is my first time. Maybe next year again, I’ll be here,” he added.

Tiako said that I am considering myself as an ambassador of Ethiopia’s way of living and culture.

“The message I would just have to send to people all around the world who love religion, whether it’s Christian, Muslim, different cultures, to come to visit this beautiful country,”

Another tourist from Denmark, Poul Ebrandrup said on his part “I have always been very fascinated about Ethiopia and its history.” It’s very exciting and interesting and tells us a lot about how things develop in Ethiopia.

He stressed that it is important to promote these vast and rich cultures of Ethiopia to the global community.

Suana Escudero, from Spain and attended the celebration with her friends delighted to attend such a big event in Ethiopia and to be part of the holiday. “We are happy to be here to see your culture and to learn about this ceremony.”