Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa
Experience from
$220.00
The Experience
Meskel (meaning "Cross" in Ge'ez) is one of Ethiopia's most spectacular religious festivals, commemorating the 4th-century discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena. In 2013, it became Ethiopia's first element inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The festival takes place annually on September 27 (Meskerem 17 in the Ethiopian calendar), with the main eve celebration called Demera occurring on the evening of September 26.
Full Itinerary
Meskel Festival Itinerary
8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup and Morning: City Exploration & Museums
Meet your guide or start your independent exploration
Begin with a drive up to Mount Entoto (3,200 meters elevation) for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa
9:30 AM – National Museum of Ethiopia
Visit the home of "Lucy" (Dinkinesh) , the 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil discovered in 1974
Explore exhibits on Ethiopian history, art, and culture
Time allocated: Approx. 1.5-2 hours
11:30 AM – Holy Trinity Cathedral
Visit this beautiful baroque-style cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and other members of the royal family
Admire the intricate stained glass windows and Ethiopian Orthodox architecture
Mid-Day: Local Markets & Lunch
12:30 PM – Mercato Market
Explore Mercato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa
Experience the festive shopping atmosphere as locals prepare for the holiday
Great opportunity to observe daily life and purchase traditional items
1:30 PM – Lunch
Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine at a local restaurant
Recommended: Try doro wat (spicy chicken stew) or a vegetarian platter with injera
Coffee ceremony experience available at many establishments
Afternoon: Festival Preparation & Demera Eve (September 26 Only)
3:00 PM – Meskel Square Arrival (for September 26 - Demera Eve)
Head to Meskel Square, the epicenter of the celebrations
Thousands of people gather in traditional white cotton garments (netela)
Watch as priests, deacons, and pilgrims assemble for the ceremony
4:00 PM – The Demera Bonfire Construction
Observe the construction of the Demera (large bonfire)
A cross made of Adey Abeba (yellow seasonal flowers that bloom only during this time) is placed atop the bonfire
The flowers symbolize the smoke that guided Empress Helena to the True Cross
6:00 PM – Demera Lighting Ceremony (Peak Moment)
The bonfire is lit amid chanting, prayers, and drumming
The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church often officiates the ceremony
The smoke rising symbolizes the direction the smoke took to guide Queen Helena
This is a profoundly moving spectacle of faith and community
Evening: Celebration & Cultural Dinner
7:30 PM – Festival Atmosphere
Witness the celebration continue around the bonfire
Priests in colorful robes chant and dance
Deacons and church school students perform religious hymns and shows
8:30 PM – Traditional Cultural Dinner
Transfer to a cultural restaurant
Enjoy Ethiopian buffet with multiple national dishes
Watch traditional music and dance performances from various Ethiopian ethnic groups
Participate in a coffee ceremony
10:30 PM – Return to Hotel
Drop-off at your accommodation
Included
All ground transportation in Addis Ababa (private vehicle with driver and fuel).
Professional English‑speaking city guide
Entrance fees to all scheduled sites
Two traditional coffee ceremonies during the tour (one per day).
Bottled water in the vehicle each day.
Airport or hotel pick‑up and drop‑off in Addis Ababa.
Excluded
International and domestic air tickets.
Hotel accommodation in Addis Ababa (can be arranged on request).
All meals (lunch and dinner) unless specifically stated as included.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks, laundry, phone, etc.).
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance, medical expenses, and any required visas.
Tips for guides, drivers, and restaurant staff.