Ethiopia Live Events
Timkat, Meskel and the world's most spectacular religious festivals
Ethiopia has the most extraordinary religious festival calendar in Africa — Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany) and Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages, the Irreecha thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people draws millions, and the Lalibela rock churches are the backdrop for some of the most visually spectacular celebrations in the world.
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Meskel Festival
The Finding of the True Cross — a UNESCO festival of fire in Addis Ababa
Meskel is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Finding of the True Cross — a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage held on 27 September (or 28 September in a leap year). The centrepiece of the celebration is the Demera — a massive bonfire constructed in Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, decorated with yellow Meskel daisies and topped with a cross. Tens of thousands of white-robed worshippers, priests in elaborate vestments, and the sound of drums and chanting fill the square as the Demera is lit at dusk. The direction in which the bonfire falls is said to predict the fortunes of the coming year.
Event Highlights
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- The Demera — a massive bonfire in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa
- Tens of thousands of white-robed worshippers
- Priests in elaborate gold and red vestments
- Yellow Meskel daisies covering the city
- One of the most visually spectacular religious events in Africa
What to Do There
- Watch the Demera bonfire lighting at dusk
- Attend the morning procession in Meskel Square
- Visit Lalibela for the Meskel celebrations (more intimate)
- Experience the yellow Meskel daisy decorations across the city
- Combine with a visit to the National Museum (Lucy fossil)
Event Info
Next Event
27 September annually (28 September in leap years)
Location
Meskel Square, Addis Ababa (and nationwide)
Duration
1 day (with preceding celebrations)
Ticket Price
Free to watch from Meskel Square
Travel Tips
- ·Fly direct from London to Addis Ababa (8 hours, Ethiopian Airlines)
- ·Arrive in Meskel Square by 3pm to secure a good viewing position
- ·Dress modestly — this is a deeply religious event
- ·Combine with Lalibela and the Simien Mountains for a northern Ethiopia circuit
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