ADDIS ABAB (ENA) –The decision with regard to the inscription of Ethiopian Epiphany, Timket, into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List is going to be announced in November 2019, according to the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritages. Cultural Anthropologist at the authority, Gezahegn Girma said the effort to get Timket inscribed into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List started three years ago, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) and Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
“The file is now under evaluation by the inter-governmental committee and final decision will be announced in November,” he pointed out. He stated that UNESCO has checked the completeness of the documents required and posted them on its website for public comments and the pertinent authorities.
The intangible heritage, according to one of the requirements of UNESCO,was inscribed by the country of origin (Ethiopia), it was learned. The nomination file that encompasses five crucial issues was also completed, enriched by the concerned bodies and finally submitted to UNESCO last March.
EOC Foreign Communication Director and Assistant Patriarch Abune Aregawi said Timket is among the ancient religious festivals celebrated publicly with cultural wears and songs. The holiday is very colorful and contributes much to human values and its inclusion in the list of UNESCO will have paramount significance to the country and beyond, Abune Aregawi elaborated.
“Our church is undertaking efforts to get Timket inscribed by UNESCO, considering its national social and econonomic benefits to the nation and beyond ,” he stated. Timket festival falls on January 19 every year and it is observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s baptism in Jordan River. The celebration of Ethiopian Epiphany starts on the eve of the festival.
Herald January 18/2019
