Thousands of Ethiopians gathered in Addis Ababa to celebrate the annual religious festival of Meskel, a significant event in the local Orthodox Christian faith characterized by the lighting of bonfires. Meskel is widely celebrated across Ethiopia with rituals and festivities, with the main national celebrations taking place in Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. The festival, which runs until Friday, is a time for the faithful to attend church services, spend time with family, and partake in traditional celebrations.
Meskel, meaning “cross” in the local Amharic language, commemorates the finding of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, as believed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The lighting of bonfires symbolizes the bonfire that Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, lit to discover the buried cross in Jerusalem. The festival also includes prayers, religious ceremonies, and feasting on “kitfo,” a minced meat dish enjoyed during Meskel festivities.
The Meskel festival has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its cultural and historical significance in Ethiopia. However, this year’s celebrations come amidst challenges for the country, including tensions with neighboring Somalia and Egypt over territorial disputes and a history of internal conflicts, notably the recent conflict in the Tigray region and subsequent insurgency in the Amhara region.
Despite these challenges, some Ethiopians view Meskel as an opportunity to reflect on peace and unity. Berhanu Admass, a church deacon, emphasized the importance of embracing forgiveness and peaceful co-existence, sentiments echoed by others attending the festival. The festival serves as a reminder of hope and the possibility of coming together as a community to pray for better days.
In addition to the celebrations in Addis Ababa, a larger Meskel celebration is expected in the Gurage Zone in southern Ethiopia, where the festival holds particular significance. Hundreds of thousands of tourists are anticipated to travel to the area to partake in the festivities. For many, celebrating Meskel in Ethiopia offers a unique and culturally enriching experience, highlighted by the grand bonfires and traditional rituals that define the event.
Despite challenges and conflicts that have impacted travel and participation in the festival for some, many Ethiopians are finding ways to celebrate Meskel within their communities. People like Luleseged Tadesse in CMC, a suburb of Addis Ababa, are fostering unity and solidarity among neighbors, including refugees from Sudan and Syria, by coming together to light bonfires, share meals, and pray for peace and prosperity in their respective countries.
As Meskel festivities continue, the message of peace and unity remains central to the celebrations, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future amidst the challenges facing Ethiopia and its people.