Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)

Meskel is celebrated by dancing feasting and lighting a massive bonfire known in Ethiopia tradition “Demera”. Meskel commemorations the finding of true cross in the fourth century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the great, discovered the true cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 17 Ethiopian calendar (the 27th of September the Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the true cross. The celebration of Meskel signifies the presence of the true cross at mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolizes the events carried out by Empress Helena.