Celebrated annually on September 27th, Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Roman Empress Helena (Queen Eleni) in the 4th century. It is a festival of fire, faith, and the end of the rainy season, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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Watching the Demera collapse and hearing thousands of voices call out together is a reminder that some traditions are stronger, and older, than anything we could plan for you.
Nigisti Solomon
Founder, Africa Tour Guide
According to tradition, Empress Helena was guided to the buried cross by the smoke of a massive bonfire, which miraculously bowed toward the exact spot.
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On the eve of Meskel, massive conical pyres of wood decorated with yellow Meskel daisies are erected in town squares across Ethiopia. As the sun sets, priests chant and bless the pyre before it is set ablaze. The crowd watches eagerly to see which direction the central pole falls, as it is believed to predict the prosperity of the coming year.
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Meskel Square in Addis Ababa hosts a massive, deeply moving celebration, while the celebrations in Axum and Adigrat are profoundly historic. Let Africa Tour Guide weave this fiery spectacle into your September travel plans.
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