Ethiopia is a multiethnic country with over 80 different ethnic groups. Each has their own history, culture and religious values and these cultural, traditional and religious values are demonstrated in a manner reflecting their beliefs, practices, traditions, and religions.
Among these festivals celebrated colorfully, the Epiphany or Timket Festival, marked two weeks after Genna (Ethiopian Christmas), is the one. Though the festival is marked warmly and colorfully throughout the country, it is marked in Gondar differently.
Recently, institutions engaged in the hospitality sector announced that they have made the necessary preparations to welcome local and foreign guests who come to Gondar to celebrate Timket Festival, The Baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist at Jordan River in a way preserving the culture and values of the community.
This was revealed at the consultation forum held in Gondar City with institutions engaged in the hotel and tourism sector in the city in relation to the upcoming Timket Festival, ENA reported.
Speaking at the event, Haile Resort Gondar Manager Fresibehat Mezegebu said that the peace sustained in the city has created a favorable environment to host guests who came to celebrate the festival.
Mentioning that guests’ desire and expectations to have better accommodation concurrent to celebrating the festival, he said that the necessary arrangements are done to provide up to the standard services.
Jantekel Hotel Manager Fantahun Aderajew on his part said: “We are preparing to welcome guests in a way building the image and fame of Gondar.”
Head of Culture and Tourism Department of Gondar City Administration Yonas Yitbarek said wide-ranging preparations are being made to extend the stay of the guests who come to attend the festival. As part of this program and to celebrate the festival warmly, cultural week, trade fair and bazaar, symposium, have been organized.
Gondar City’ Administration Deputy Mayor Debrie Yehuala also said that Epiphany is a festival that stimulates the city’s trade, tourism and investment activities. Thus, the administration has set up a committee and is working with due attention.
She also urged the people and partners to play their part by actively protecting their surroundings so that the peace prevailed in the city enabled the festival to be celebrated brightly.
At the consultative meeting, city’s administrators, security forces, investors engaged in the hotel and tourism sectors and representatives took part.
At the consultative meeting, city’s administrators, security forces, investors engaged in the hotel and tourism sectors and representatives took part.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2023
