Addis Ababa: The UNESCO inscribed World Heritage; Ethiopian Epiphany will be celebrated colorfully across Ethiopia for three days as of January 18, 2025. Extending warm wishes for a joyful and harmonious holiday season, foreign nationals residing in Addis Ababa, including diplomats and staff of international organizations, are advised to consider alternative routes to mitigate any potential disruptions caused by traffic congestion due to this grand celebration at Jan Meda and Akaki Kaliti Tabot Maderia, where the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant are placed.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Addis Ababa Police have announced that parking any vehicles within a 500-meter radius of the entrances and exits of the Ketera and Baptizing sites, as well as along the streets where the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant and the faithful travel, across all 11 sub-cities of Addis Ababa, is prohibited from January 18, 2025, to January 20, 2025.
As a result, specific roads will be closed to vehicles from January 18 to January 20, 2025. These include the routes from 6 Kilo roundabout to Menelik Hospital, from Menelik Hospital to 3rd Battalion roundabout, from 3rd Battalion roundabout back to 6 Kilo roundabout, around the Akaki Kaliti areas, from Walya Bira Factory to Tirunesh Beijing Hospital, from Akaki Main Road to Tirunesh Beijing Hospital, and from 08 to Akaki Bridge. The roads will be barred to any kind of vehicles starting January 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Consequently, drivers are advised to use alternative roads.
The Ethiopian Epiphany is a vibrant festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.