Addis Ababa:President Taye Atske Selassie has extended a congratulatory message to Ethiopian Christians for the Meskel-Demera holiday, wishing them a peaceful and joyous celebration.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the President expressed his hope that the Ethiopian 2019 Demera and Meskel celebration would be characterized by benevolence, kindness, peace, and mutual goodwill.
Meskel, which means 'Cross' in Ge'ez, commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The festival was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
The festival is celebrated annually on September 27, with the eve featuring the lighting of Demera, a large ceremonial bonfire made from bundles of wood and decorated with Ethiopian daisies. This celebration takes place across Ethiopia, where the Demera ceremony brings communities together for religious chants, prayers, and traditional performances.
In Addis Ababa, thousands have gathered at Meskel Square for the central celebration, where the bonfire is traditionally lit as part of the commemoration. Beyond its religious importance, Meskel is a significant expression of Ethiopia's cultural heritage and social cohesion, emphasizing reconciliation, mutual care, and peaceful coexistence.
