ETHIOPIAN FESTIVALS

Meskel, meaning “The Finding of the True Cross,” is celebrated on September 27th to commemorate the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The festival includes the lighting of a large bonfire called “Demera,” which symbolizes the bonfire lit by Queen Helena, who is believed to have found the True Cross in the 4th century.

Meskel Festival is registered with UNESCO as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Ethiopian Easter, known as Fasika, is a significant religious festival observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian community. Following the Orthodox Christian calendar, Fasika typically falls in April. The festival begins with a night-long church service, where people gather to participate in prayers and hymns.

 At dawn, the fast is broken with a special meal called “Doro Wat,” a spicy chicken stew, along with injera (a traditional sourdough flatbread) and other delicacies. Families and friends come together to share this festive meal, exchange greetings, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Fasika is a time of joy, spiritual reflection, and community bonding in Ethiopia.

Hidar Tsion is a significant festival in Ethiopia celebrated in Axum. It honors the Ark of the Covenant and marks the beginning of the Ethiopian New Year. Lasting several days, the festival includes religious ceremonies, processions, and cultural festivities. Pilgrims and locals gather, dressed in traditional attire, to witness the grand procession where a replica of the Ark is carried through the streets.

Enkutatash, also known as the Ethiopian New Year, falls on September 11th (or September 12th in leap years). It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the spring season in Ethiopia. The festival is celebrated with feasts, traditional music and dance performances, and the exchange of New Year greetings and gifts.

This festival is thanksgiving celebration of Oromo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia.  This festival takes place in September to October, depending upon the Lunar calendar.

The festival is held at Lake Hora in the town of Bishoftu and involves cultural performances, traditional blessings, and the offering of thanks to God and ancestors.

Each Ethiopians Festivals has unique significance and represents country’s vibrant culture while re-uniting the people.