Ethiopia
Overview
Overview
Meskel, meaning "cross," is a special festival that celebrates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. According to legend, Empress Elleni of the Byzantine Empire was guided to the cross by smoke from a fire she was told to light in a dream. The festival also has pre-Christian roots, marking the end of the rainy season. In most places, like Addis Ababa, it is celebrated on the eve of the festival.
In Addis Ababa, young men and women, dressed in white with red sashes, join processions, singing and dancing their way to Meskel Square. Priests and deacons from local churches, carrying drums and ornate crosses, also take part in the celebration. As night falls, the demera (a large bonfire) is lit, symbolizing Empress Elleni’s action. The direction in which the bonfire falls is believed to predict the future of the country for the coming year. Street parties and celebrations continue throughout the night, with each neighborhood lighting its own demera.
It’s a time when people return to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends. We can incorporate this vibrant festival into a longer tour that includes history, culture, visits to the Omo, bird watching, trekking, and more.