TEWODROS KASSA
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The Meskel festival is vibrantly celebrated throughout Ethiopia on September 27, honoring the discovery of the True Holy Cross of Christ. The festivities commence with the construction of the Demera bonfire in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa. This conical structure is made of poles encircled by chibos—bundles of sticks tied together for burning—and adorned with green grass and Abyssinian daisies (Adey Abeba), symbolizing the New Year.
Meskel Square attracts hundreds of thousands of participants from various communities, where priests in colorful attire chant hymns and prayers while performing distinctive rhythmic dances around the bonfire. The event reaches its peak when the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church ignites the bonfire.
Celebrated for over 1,600 years, Meskel, which translates to "cross," is an outdoor religious festival marking the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, a finding that dates back to A.D. 326. According to legend, Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, known as Queen Eleni in Ethiopia, embarked on a quest for the True Cross. She reportedly discovered its location through a dream, leading her to create a bonfire whose smoke revealed the burial site of the Cross.
In a statement to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma indicated that extensive preparations are in progress to foster a welcoming atmosphere for tourists visiting Ethiopia to experience its cultural and religious festivals, as well as its various tourist attractions.
September, November, and January are months filled with numerous celebrations, including Meskel and Irreecha, the annual Thanksgiving Day for the Oromo people, among others. These festivities play a crucial role in promoting tourism within the country and serve as a platform to enhance the national image, attracting many visitors eager to partake in the celebrations. In this context, we will focus on improving visitor satisfaction to encourage longer stays in the country.
According to him, these festival celebrations, along with World Tourism Day, are anticipated to attract a significant influx of tourists this month. Customized packages will allow tourists the flexibility to participate in these events while also exploring other attractions, with states ready to provide hospitality services.
For example, tourists heading to Southern Ethiopia for New Year celebrations can also explore Nech-Sar National Park, located near Chamo Lake, Sileshi noted. He mentioned that UNESCO-listed heritage sites and newly developed tourism infrastructure are part of the offerings.
He stated that the government expects considerable revenue growth from the tourism sector, particularly during the peak season starting in September. The second-generation Diasporas are also expected to make a notable contribution to the tourism industry.
Meskel also signifies the beginning of a tourist season in Ethiopia. Thousands of visitors from various countries flock to Ethiopia to experience the ceremonies associated with the Meskel celebrations, particularly enjoying the festivities at the newly renovated Meskel Square in Addis Ababa.
The cross holds significant meaning for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. They wear the symbol of the cross around their necks as a testament to their faith, and many individuals in both urban and rural areas perform a gesture of the cross before meals as a quick expression of gratitude for the food prepared. The faithful share a profound affection for the cross.
Priests utilize various types of crosses alongside their ceremonial staffs during mass and other prayer services, including ceremonial blessings and the sanctification of holy water intended for healing the sick and exorcising individuals believed to be possessed by demons.
Meskel serves as a significant tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors not only from Europe, the USA, and Asia but also from other African nations to Ethiopia.
Additionally, the Meskel Festival presents a distinctive cultural experience for those visiting Ethiopia, offering them the opportunity to observe ancient traditions and customs that have been maintained over the centuries. Tourists can engage in the vibrant festivities, savor traditional Ethiopian dishes, and gain insights into the history and importance of the festival through local guides.
Celebrated across the nation, Meskel transcends age, gender, language, and ethnicity. Participants are thought to receive spiritual benefits from the festivities and blessings from the Holy Cross. Local churches play a vital role in organizing community activities and preserving the festival's essence.
Furthermore, individuals create a Demera, which consists of a tree and a bundle of dry sticks, placed at their doorsteps to be lit in the evening, fostering a sense of community with their neighbors on the day of the celebration. The cross holds special significance for every Ethiopian.
The festival also serves as a time for family reunions, with migrant workers returning to their hometowns. These gatherings facilitate the exchange of money, information, and fresh ideas from urban areas to rural communities. Prior to the festivities, it is customary to resolve personal conflicts and social disputes. Thus, Meskel becomes an opportunity for Ethiopians to enhance their spiritual lives through reconciliation, social unity, and peaceful coexistence.
The Meskel festival presents a significant opportunity to enhance tourism in Ethiopia, drawing visitors globally to partake in its lively festivities, deep-rooted traditions, and cultural importance. By positioning the festival as a prominent tourist draw, Ethiopia can highlight its distinctive cultural legacy while providing economic advantages to local populations. Through targeted marketing initiatives and a focus on sustainable tourism practices, the Meskel Festival can be instrumental in elevating Ethiopia's status as a premier travel destination, both within Africa and on the international stage.