Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa: A Celebration of Light and Heritage
Code / 1689
Meskel, the "Finding of the True Cross," is among Ethiopia’s most vibrant Orthodox celebrations, spanning two lively days each year (September 26 & 27). Rich in tradition, the festival is marked by feasting, joyous dances, and spectacular religious ceremonies.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Hope and Renewal
Festivities begin on Meskel Eve with the creation of large, cone-shaped bonfires, known as “Demera,” in town squares and marketplaces. Tall bundles of wood, crowned by golden Meskel daisies, form a striking centerpiece. Priests, worshippers, and local dignitaries gather for ceremonial processions, eventually setting the Demera ablaze with flaming torches, accompanied by special hymns and chants. Families and communities create smaller Demeras at their homes, uniting in a symbolic gesture of hope and renewal.
As the fire burns, attendees watch eagerly; the direction of the collapsing Demera is traditionally interpreted as an omen of the coming year’s fortune. A rainfall extinguishing the flames symbolizes abundant prosperity, leading to celebrations that continue through the night.
The following morning, on the actual day of Meskel, communities return to the Demera site, marking their foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross, symbolizing purification and blessing. The festival coincides beautifully with the seasonal blossoming of the bright yellow Meskel daisies, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Program
Arrive in Addis Ababa and embark on a tour of the city’s highlights, including the fascinating National Museum, the spiritual Holy Trinity Cathedral, the bustling Mercato Market, and the serene Entoto Mountains. Later, immerse yourself fully in the captivating evening celebrations of Meskel Eve. Witness the grand lighting of the Demera, led by the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as the crowd joins in spirited dances and songs under a sky glowing with bonfires.
Throughout the evening, experience the profound cultural symbolism as communities interpret the falling direction of burning wood as signs for future prosperity and peace, culminating ideally with a gentle rainfall to symbolize a year of abundance.
Experience the heartwarming culmination of the Meskel festival. Locals gather around the previous night’s Demera site, marking their foreheads with sacred ashes. Join the joyous festivities, celebrating amid fields of vibrant Meskel daisies, enjoying communal feasts, traditional beverages, and lively music.
The day concludes with your comfortable transfer to Bole International Airport or your hotel in Addis Ababa.
Please Note: Our tours offer an optional 1–2 day stopover in Addis Ababa to rest after long flights, customized to your interests. The Meskel celebration has fixed dates in late September, requiring your visit during this period to experience this remarkable festival alongside Ethiopia’s other diverse offerings.
Euro 200
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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