What to Wear for Timkat (Timket) 2027: Habesha Dress Guide for Ethiopian & Eritrean Epiphany

Timkat (ጥምቀት), also spelled Timket, falls on January 19, 2027. It's the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox celebration of Epiphany, the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. It's one of the most colourful and joyful holidays of the year: crowds dressed in white, processions with singing and drums, and the blessing of water.

Whether you're celebrating in Gondar, Addis Ababa, Asmara or at your local church abroad, here's what to wear, and when to order your dress so it arrives in time.

✨ Order by December 29 so your dress arrives before January 19. Every dress is made to your measurements in 1–2 weeks and then shipped worldwide (about 1 week). Shop white zuria and kemis →

What is Timkat?

Timkat celebrations start on the eve, called Ketera (January 18). Priests carry the tabot, a representation of the Ark of the Covenant, from each church to a nearby river, lake or pool, with crowds singing and dancing along the way. People keep vigil through the night. In the morning the water is blessed and sprinkled over the crowd, and many people renew their baptismal vows. Afterwards the tabots return to their churches in another joyful procession.

The most famous celebrations take place at the Fasilides Bath in Gondar and in Lalibela, but Ethiopian and Eritrean communities around the world celebrate Timkat at their local churches.

What to wear for Timkat

Timkat is known for its sea of white. Traditional white cotton clothing is the heart of the celebration, so this is the day to wear your most beautiful white Habesha dress.

1. White Habesha kemis

A white handwoven cotton kemis with a colourful tibeb border is the classic Timkat outfit. Because you'll be outside, often in a crowd and sometimes near water, choose a comfortable length and a border that will look great in photos.

2. Zuria for comfort on a long day

Timkat can mean an overnight vigil and hours of walking with the procession. A light, flowing Habesha zuria is comfortable and elegant all day, and it's a favourite with Eritrean women for Timket.

3. Netela: essential for Timkat

A white netela (netsela in Tigrinya) over your head and shoulders is part of the traditional Timkat look and is worn during prayer. Choose one with a border that matches your dress. Learn more: What is an Ethiopian scarf called?

4. Men's outfits

Men usually wear a white habesha libs (shirt and trousers) with a tibeb border, plus a gabi or netela. Matching colours with your partner or family is a popular way to stand out in Timkat photos. Explore the men's collection.

5. Lighter options: Habesha chiffon

For the celebrations after the procession, or if you're travelling, a chiffon (shifon) Habesha dress is a lighter choice that still looks traditional.

Practical tips for Timkat day

• Expect water. Blessed water is sprinkled over the crowd. Cotton dries quickly, so it's a practical choice.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Processions can be long and crowded.
• Bring a warm layer. The night vigil (Ketera) can be cold, especially in the highlands or in a European or North American January. A gabi is traditional and warm.
• Choose borders for photos. Gold, green, blue and red borders stand out against the white crowd.

Popular Timkat colours

• White with gold tibeb: timeless and festive.
• White with green, yellow and red: traditional and colourful.
• White with blue: fresh, and a nice nod to the water at the heart of Timkat.

When to order for Timkat

Our dresses are made to order: about 1–2 weeks to make, plus about 1 week of worldwide shipping.

• Timkat / Timket (January 19): order by December 29.
• Genna / Lidet (January 7): order by December 17. One white dress can work for both holidays. See our Genna & Lidet dress guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is it Timkat or Timket?

Both spellings are used for the same holiday (ጥምቀት). "Timkat" is common in English, and "Timket" is often used by Eritrean and Tigrinya-speaking communities.

When is Timkat 2027?

Timkat is on January 19, 2027, and the eve (Ketera) is on January 18.

Do I have to wear white for Timkat?

White is the strong tradition, and most people wear white with a coloured border. It's the most meaningful and photogenic choice for the day.

Can I wear the same dress for Genna and Timkat?

Yes. A white kemis or zuria with a border you love works for both holidays, and for weddings and celebrations all year.

Melkam Timkat! 💧 Find your Timkat dress →