The festival of Meskel, one of the major Ethiopian Orthodox festivals is celebrated across Ethiopia on September 26th and 27th to commemorate the unearthing of the True Holy Cross of Christ by Queen Helena (Saint Helena) in the fourth century. The celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire known as Demera. The best place to experience the Meskel Festival is in the capital Addis Ababa at the famous Meskel Square. Meskel is also colorfully celebrated across the country, especially in the North and Southern parts of Ethiopia.

UNESCO has registered the Meskel festivity in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2013.

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Duration

Duration
Duration
5 hours

Meeting Point

Meskel Square, Addis Ababa See Map