On September 26, 2026, thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians assembled at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. The event honored the discovery of the True Cross through prayer, song, and the lighting of a massive bonfire.
The Lighting of the Demera Bonfire at Meskel Square
The centerpiece of the celebration in Addis Ababa was the lighting of the Demera , a towering bonfire that serves as the focal point for the Meskel holiday. According to the report, thousands of worshippers filled Meskel Square to participate in the ritual, which combined singing and prayer with a massive public gathering. the lighting of the Demera is not merely a symbolic act but a communal experience that draws the capital's populaion into a shared spiritual moment.
As the bonfire was lit, the atmosphere in Addis Ababa was characterized by chanting and religious processions.. The report notes that the event featured vibrant displays of faith, with the Demera acting as a beacon for the thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who converged on the square on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Empress Helena and the 4th-Century Discovery of the True Cross
The theological foundation of the Meskel holiday dates back to the fourth century. As reported by the AP, the celebrations commemorate the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman Empress Helena. Tradition holds that Empress Helena was guided by a dream and smoke from a bonfire to the location where the cross of Jesus Christ had been buried, a narrative that remains central to the identity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
By recreating the lighting of the fire, the worshippers in Addis Ababa connect their modern religious practice to this ancient historical claim. This link to the fourth century reinforces the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's position as one of the oldest continuous Christian traditions in the world, blending Roman imperial history with African spiritual leadership.
The Role of Ethiopian Orthodox Choirs in National Identity
The presence of Orthodox choirs during the Meskel celebrations highlights the intersection of art, music, and faith in Ethiopia. The choral performances mentioned in the report are a staple of the Tewahedo liturgy,often involving complex rhythms and ancient chants that have been preserved for centuries. these performances transform Meskel Square from a civic space into a massive open-air cathedral.
This event is part of a broader trend where religious holidays in Ethiopia serve as primary drivers of national cohesion. The scale of the gathering in Addis Ababa suggests that despite the complexities of modern Ethiopian politics,the shared heritage of the Orthodox faith continues to provide a unifying cultural framework for millions of citizens.
The Presence of the Ethiopian Federal Police Marching Band
While the event was primaarily religious, the report notes that the Ethiopian Federal police march band was also present, observing the proceedings. This suggests a high level of state coordination and security for an event of this magnitude, though the specific nature of the police's role—whether purely ceremonial or focused on crowd control—remains unstated.
Several details remain unverified in the available reporting. It is unclear exactly how many thousands of people attended the event at Meskel Square, and there is no mention of whether the Ethiopian government provided official statements regarding the security arrangements for the September 26 gathering. Furthermore, the report focuses exclusively on the celebrations in the capital, leaving it unknown how the Meskel holiday was observed in the more rural regions of Ethiopia.
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