Meskel

Meskel is a major religious festival celebrated by Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christians, commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena in the fourth century. Marked by the burning of a large bonfire called Demera, it takes place annually on 27 September (or 28 September in leap years), with the largest gatherings in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square.

• A giant bonfire called Demera is lit at dusk
• Celebrations fill Meskel Square in Addis Ababa
• Charcoal from the fire is used to mark foreheads with a cross
• The festival commemorates Saint Helena's discovery of the True Cross
• UNESCO inscribed Meskel as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013

What it is

Meskel is a deeply significant festival for Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christians, honouring the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Saint Helena. The name 'Meskel' means 'cross' in Amharic, and the festival is a time for both religious reverence and joyful community gathering. It is considered one of the highest-ranking celebrations in the church calendar, with many believing that a relic of the True Cross was brought to Ethiopia. The festival brings together people from cities and villages, uniting families and communities in a shared spiritual tradition.

Where it comes from

Meskel traces its origins to the fourth century, commemorating the story of Saint Helena, who is believed to have found the True Cross in Jerusalem after following a vision to light a bonfire. The smoke from the fire, according to tradition, revealed the location of the Cross. Over time, Meskel became a central festival in Ethiopia and Eritrea, possibly replacing older seasonal celebrations. The timing in September marks the end of the rainy season and the resumption of daily life, and the festival's Christian meaning is layered onto these older traditions.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations centre around the building and burning of the Demera, a large bonfire constructed from wood decorated with daisies. The ritual often takes place in the early evening, either the day before or on Meskel itself. As darkness falls, religious and civil leaders preside over the lighting of the Demera, and the flames and smoke are watched closely for signs and omens. After the fire dies down, participants collect charcoal from the remains and mark their foreheads with the sign of the cross, a gesture of blessing and remembrance. The festival is also marked by fireworks, music, and communal gatherings, with speeches and references to biblical stories. Many people travel from cities to their home villages to join family and community celebrations.

Joining in

The heart of Meskel is in Addis Ababa, where Meskel Square fills with crowds for the main bonfire and ceremonies. Visitors can expect a vibrant and moving experience, with processions, singing, and the dramatic lighting of the Demera as night falls. The atmosphere is both festive and reverent, and newcomers are welcomed to observe or participate in the rituals. In villages and towns across Ethiopia and Eritrea, similar celebrations take place, often with local variations and a strong sense of community.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Meskel, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Meskel on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural HeritageArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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