Photo Credit:Reuters
Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, on Thursday to celebrate Meskel, one of the country’s most significant religious holidays. Meskel commemorates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, according to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition. The festival, which marks the start of the religious year, drew large crowds to a central plaza for rituals, speeches, and performances.
The highlight of the event was the lighting of a massive bonfire, symbolizing the efforts of Queen Eleni, a medieval Ethiopian ruler, to find the true cross. Sunday school students reenacted the historical scene, with one young woman playing Queen Eleni, complete with a crown and a red cape.
Amid the celebratory atmosphere, heavy security was present, reflecting Ethiopia’s ongoing tensions in regions like Amhara and Oromia, where sporadic conflicts have persisted. Musicians playing traditional instruments, including the 10-stringed begena, were forced to shield their instruments from the downpour, while a choir adorned with symbolic flowers performed.
Abune Mathias, the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, urged unity and peace in his address to the crowd, echoing the sentiments of many attendees. Despite the rain and security concerns, the festival was a vibrant display of Ethiopian faith and culture, serving as a hopeful reminder of the country’s shared heritage.
