Ethiopians, adherents of the Christian Orthodox, celebrated Demera (the burning of a large bonfire) and Meskel festivals (which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified) last Wednesday and Thursday on September 27 and 28 respectively.
The Demera festivity was mainly observed on the eve of Meskel, mainly in Addis Ababa, at Meskel Square in the presence of President Sahlework Zewde, Ethiopian Orthodox Church archbishops, religious leaders, the Representative of Addis Ababa City Mayor, Culture and Sports Minister Kejela Merdasa, Addis Ababa Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau Head Hirut Kassew, dignitaries, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic community and hundreds thousands of laities residing in the capital and the surrounding areas.
The day was marked with a number of breathtaking religious songs and rites performed by Sunday school students, and members of the clergy who dressed in ceremonial vestments and the congregations adorned with white traditional clothes.
Aside from residents of the capital and the surrounding areas, the festival was attended by several tourists who flocked to the country to observe this unique, magnificent and inspiring ceremony.
Some of the tourists who came to Ethiopia from various countries and attended the Demera celebration at Meskel Square expressed their delight and excitement for watching the appealing aspects of the festival.
Raphael Lorenzo, from France, was one of the tourists who witnessed the magnificent features of the event. According to him, the celebration of Demera with a large crowd is something unique for his experience. The colorful way of dressing of the clergy, Sunday school students and the congregation make the event more fascinating and memorable. “I have taken a large number of pictures regarding the celebration of Demera festival; and will share this experience for friends and families in a bid to encourage them to visit Ethiopia in the next year.”
Mentioning France’s active involvement in the renovation activities of Ethiopia’s historical heritages including the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and the National Palace, Lorenzo indicated that the actions would play a big role to keep the sites safe. “Extensive promotion of Ethiopia’s unique culture and the public’s age-old culture of hospitality is crucial to build the country’s positive image among the global community.”
Another visitor, Tamas Kelemen, from Hungary, said that the festivity is unique due to its unique church rites such as religious songs and dances displayed by young Sunday school students.
“I am really happy to be here for the first time and attend this exceptional ceremony not only in Ethiopia but also on African soil. I was really impressed with Ethiopia’s unique culture and the welcoming environment here.
Hungary has aid projects in Oromia and Afar states and is involved in water management, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs in different parts of Ethiopia. These activities are helpful to rural women to generate income and restore the drought-affected areas.”
Tamas added that as soon as he returned to his country, he would directly introduce the vibrant culture of Ethiopians to his family and his country.
Ray Fisher is from the U.S. Expressing that it is his first time in Ethiopia; Ray expressed his delight to witness such an enticing event. “I am pleased with what I saw. I think Demera should be promoted to the whole world, attract tourists, and generate income to the country.”
Ray further expressed his appreciation regarding Ethiopians’ much-cherished culture of hospitality and peaceful co-existence, which he claimed to witness while visiting the different parts of the country.
“I recently travelled to Omo Valley and witnessed the local youth jumping bulls to get married; and various cultural activities here. I am also delighted to witness the costumes of different nationalities in the Demera festivity in Addis Ababa.”
“Ethiopia is a country full of amazing cultures and festivities; and I will come back to Ethiopia next year to participate in the holidays,” he remarked.
The other tourist who expressed his opinion to ENA is Kinja Mulegwa from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She said that visiting Ethiopia’s authentic Meskel celebration is important for Africans to find indigenous spirituality.
According to her, colonialism has affected traditional religion and culture in Africa including in DRC; thus coming and observing this unique festival is vital for her.
Congolese culture and religion is influenced by outsiders essentially beginning from the era of colonization, she indicated.
Grant Bushee, an American Reverend, from New San Francisco, also stated that he came to Ethiopia for the first time to learn about the Ethiopian religion and its similarity and difference to his own Anglican religion.
“The way you celebrate your faith is very impressive. This is a unique experience for me that I think very few of my country’s citizens ever get the chance to see. So I feel very blessed to be here today,” he said.
Prior to the Demera celebration, Bushee was fascinated by the traditions and unique customs of various tribes in northern Ethiopia. Thus, he intends to visit the northern part of the country as well.
Noting that he has visited many African countries, Bushee said: “Everything is entirely different from other countries. I have been to Africa. This is a very rich experience for me. I wish more Americans could come here and see this,” he remarked.
Ethiopia is an ancient country; and there is so much to learn about Ethiopians’ culture and history. Even the early humans were here, he said.
England-born Lauriel Reid, who is an English Language Teacher living in Ethiopia, said many tourists are not experiencing such an amazing ceremony in Ethiopia urging others to visit the country.
“This is an experience of a lifetime; and it should be an important plan you should have in your calendar at least once in your life…You have to experience it for yourself to know how you feel about it. That is my message. Experience Ethiopia for yourself!”
Meskel, the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, is one of the intangible heritages inscribed at the UNESCO’s list in December 2013 as an Intangible World Heritage. The country is the leading one in Africa for registering 13 tangible and intangible heritages by UNESCO.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
