The Meskel Festival, celebrated every year on September 27 (or 28 in a leap year), is one of the most colorful and significant religious events in Ethiopia. The word Meskel means “cross” in Ge’ez, and the festival commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, over 1,600 years ago.
Among Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, Meskel is second only to Timket (Epiphany) in importance. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of Tseday, the Ethiopian spring, when the landscape bursts into color with golden Meskel daisies and warm sunshine.
In Addis Ababa, the heart of the celebration is Meskel Square, where thousands gather in the afternoon for a grand procession. Priests dressed in vibrant vestments, choirs, students, brass bands, and traditional dancers parade through the streets carrying flaming torches. The celebration culminates with the lighting of a massive bonfire known as the Demera, symbolizing the revelation of the True Cross. As night falls, the flames illuminate the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle of faith, culture, and unity.
During the festival, Ethiopian families prepare for days of joyful feasting and hospitality. Homes are filled with the aromas of traditional dishes and local drinks such as tella (homemade beer) and tej (honey wine). Visitors are warmly welcomed to join the festivities, enjoy cultural performances, and experience Ethiopia’s deep religious traditions firsthand.
Join Kasina Tour & Travel to witness the Meskel Festival in Ethiopia a once-in-a-lifetime celebration filled with spiritual joy, ancient tradition, and unforgettable color.