BY BETELHEM BEDLU
Ethiopians marked the Demera and Meskel Festival, (The Finding of the True Cross) colorfully last Sunday and Monday respectively.
As the legend goes, in the 4th century BC the Roman Empress Helena,the mother of the Emperor Constantine, received a vision in a dream telling her where to find the True Cross. She was advised to light a fire and look for where the cross was buried; which the smoke from the fire led her to the True Crosswhich Jesus was crucified.
And this religious festival is commemorated every year to signify the efforts made by St. Helena and the discovery of the True Cross.
On the eve of Meskel Festival, the celebration of ‘Demera’ which is a lightening of bonfire takes place. Especially, at Meskel Square the rite is celebrated colorfully and splendidly.
Every year, peoplearound the world travel long hours and come to Ethiopia to attend the colorful festival of the Meskel celebrations.
Binosa Asula Aysuame, Nigerian, is one among the other tourists who came to Ethiopia to attend this year’s Demera Festival.
“This is my firstexperience and I never witnessed such colorful event that brings such large gatherings of people before. The people are so happy and excited to be here to perform religious activities. This is indeed an interesting festival,” she said in an interview with local media.
As she stressed, she has learned that Ethiopians are very passionate about their country and their religion adding that the Ethiopian Airlines is doing so much to promote Ethiopia as a country and the African continent in general.
Noting that she has seen people from Europe and other parts of Africa and even beyond attending the festival, she stated tha tsuch carnivals would definitely bring a lot of people together if lots of promotions are undertaken.
Another tourist,who was compelled to postpone his trip to Ethiopia for two years due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, stayedfor about 35 days in Ethiopia. As to him, people suggested that they add another couple of days to see this festival because it is the most important festival in Ethiopia. “I can say that I have never seen anything like this in the United States.”
“What impresses me the most is that people seem to be coming from all over the country and sharing their excitements and beliefs. We have pageants, and festivals in USA but nothing seems to have this kind of significance,” he reiterated.
John Hunter came from New York City and has been in this country for four weeks. He is now in his last weekof his trip. During his stay, he had travelled to the South, East and to Gondar.
He said that he has seen some incredible scenery, landscapes, beautiful cities, villages, towns and also many cities that have immense touristtrailsand UNESCO listed heritage sites.It is very important that this country has preserved those sites.
The castle enclosure for instance in Gondar is one of the most interesting and beautiful group buildings that he has ever seen in the world.
It is the fifth time that Abshenka who came from Poland be here in Ethiopia and her second time celebrating the MeskelFestival. She said that she has been in the four corners of the country.
The first time she was in Ethiopia, she celebrated Meskel in HarariCity which is quite different from the celebration in the big city.
“I am here to take some pictures of the colorful celebrations. I have read many about the celebration of the festival and understood as it is one of the best festivals of the Orthodox Church in the world.I wish there was such big celebration back in Russia,” said Victor who came all the way from Russia.
Moreover, teenagers who came from Las Vegas, USA expressed their excitement to be here andtake part in this special festival
The Ethiopian Herald September 30/2021
