Celebrate Meskel on September 27th, commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena (Empress Helena), mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century. The festival's most spectacular feature is the lighting of massive bonfires (damera) topped with crosses, around which priests and worshippers circle in ceremonial robes. Meskel also celebrates the end of the rainy season and beginning of spring, with yellow Meskel flowers (adey abeba) blooming across the highlands.
Marks the finding of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, discovered according to tradition by Queen Helena in the 4th century. The festival's rituals symbolize both the discovery of the cross and its miraculous power. Meskel also celebrates the end of the rainy season (kiremt) and beginning of spring, with natural and agricultural symbolism intertwined with religious meaning. The festival has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
September 26-28 for full Meskel celebrations
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa
Latitude: 9.032, Longitude: 38.7468
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