Meskel => the founding of True Cross
Published: Cultural Heritage & Festivals
Meskel is a major religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, celebrating the finding of the True Cross (the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified) by Queen Helena (Saint Helena) in the fourth century. It is celebrated annually on September 27th.
The celebration begins on the eve of Meskel (called Demera) with the building of a giant conical bonfire in towns and villages across the nation. The largest Demera takes place at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, gathering hundreds of thousands of people.
Following the bonfire, the day of Meskel is spent feasting, sharing traditional food (like raw beef, injera, and tella), and gathering with family.