Religious Fathers Highlight Unity, Hospitality as Key Values of Meskel Festival

Addis Ababa, September 25, 2026 (ENA) — Religious fathers have underscored the significance of togetherness, love, peace, and hospitality as core values reflected in Ethiopia's Meskel/Demera celebration.

The festival, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross, provides an opportunity to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage to visitors from around the world.

Meskel, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, brings people together beyond its religious significance and reflects Ethiopia's long-standing traditions of mutual care and hospitality.

Chief of Scholars Abba T'umelsan Adane Qomos, Manager of the Lideta, Kirkos, and Addis Ketema Sub-cities Diocese, said Meskel is a shared heritage celebrated collectively by Ethiopians.

He urged the faithful gathering at public squares for the 'Demera'/Bonfire/ ceremony to uphold love, mutual care, and national unity as central values of the celebration.

Abba T'umelsan also emphasized the importance of extending Ethiopia's traditional hospitality to religious leaders and guests arriving from different countries and sister churches, saying such gestures contribute to presenting the country's cultural values and hospitality to the international community.

Melake Genet Zemariam Muche, Chief Administrator of Debre Yibabe Saint Yared Church, said Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross and serves as a manifestation of peace, love, and unity. He noted that this year's Meskel celebration has taken on a distinctive character as developments along Addis Ababa's corridors and the transformation of riverbank areas have changed the appearance of the capital.

 

Abba Gebreselassie Amare, Chief Administrator of Lideta LeMariam and MedhaneAlem Churches, said Meskel also contributes to promoting Ethiopia's image by showcasing the values of togetherness, love, and hospitality.

He noted that the city's corridor and riverbank development projects have enhanced Addis Ababa's beauty, adding to the grandeur of this year's celebration.

 

Melake Mihret Bekalu Werkneh, General Manager of the Yeka Sub-City Diocese under the Addis Ababa Archdiocese, said Meskel extends beyond its religious dimension, describing it as a shared national heritage and value for Ethiopians.

He said the festival vividly demonstrates the country's traditions of togetherness, love, and hospitality.

 

As the Meskel festival approaches, Ethiopians are preparing to celebrate with traditional clothing, food, and festivities, marking the significance of Meskel in their lives and culture. The festival is a time for unity, love, peace, and hospitality, and an opportunity for Ethiopians to come together and showcase their traditions to the world.

Preparations are underway in various parts of the country to celebrate the festival, with the building of the Demera, a tall, conical pyre made from dry firewood, Ethiopian daisy /Meskel flower/, being a key part of the celebrations.  The Demera celebration came a day before the main Meskel festival.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of people, including tourists and dignitaries, who will gather to witness the lighting of the Demera and participate in the festivities.