Foreign Tourists Captivated by Ethiopia’s Meskel Festival

Addis Ababa, September 27, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s annual Meskel-Demera celebration once again drew international visitors, as foreign tourists joined thousands of Ethiopians at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa to witness one of the country’s most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals.

The Meskel festival, which commemorates the Finding of the True Cross, is marked by the burning of a towering bonfire known as Demera. The flames symbolize the smoke of incense that, according to tradition, revealed the location of the Cross buried for centuries.

Visitors from across the world described their experience as both moving and unforgettable.

Renarldo Head, an American tourist attending for the first time, said he was deeply touched by the celebration. “It’s incredibly beautiful here. I feel truly blessed to witness such a powerful festival,” he remarked. Praising the hospitality of Ethiopians, he highlighted the warmth, unity, and spirituality that define the occasion. “What impresses me most is the sense of community—everyone supports one another, creating an atmosphere of unity that’s rare back home,” he added.

Head also reflected on Ethiopia’s unique place in human history as the cradle of mankind, noting its potential for growth rooted in values of love, solidarity, and cultural richness rather than materialism.

Michael Epstein, another American visitor, described Meskel as “a homecoming.” He said: “This is my first visit, and it already feels like home. From the moment we arrived, we felt embraced. The celebration is an extraordinary expression of faith and unity.” He encouraged more people to travel to Ethiopia, calling it “an experience that should never be overlooked.”

David Phillips, a tourist from the United Kingdom who has traveled to Ethiopia for more than a decade, said attending the Demera for the first time was unforgettable. “This is something truly extraordinary. I’ve never seen a celebration like this anywhere in the world,” he observed. He praised Ethiopia’s deep cultural and historical wealth, noting that its diversity surpasses that of many other East African countries.

“Ethiopia is an incredible place to experience,” Phillips concluded. “The hospitality, the friendships, and the beauty of the traditions make it unique.”

Lebanese visitor Gaby Abonsamra echoed the sentiment, saying he was honored to witness the religious and cultural dimension of Meskel. “Seeing everyone dressed in white, celebrating the Holy Cross with such devotion, is deeply inspiring,” he said. He stressed the importance of preserving Ethiopia’s Christian heritage, calling the country “a holy land with a spiritual legacy to be cherished.”

For many of the visitors, Meskel was more than just a festival—it was an immersion into Ethiopia’s living heritage of faith, culture, and community that continues to inspire people around the world, as reported by ENA.