Meskal , Finding of the True Cross
Meskal , Finding of the True Cross
Meskal , Finding of the True Cross 14 Days
The True Cross is the name for physical remnants traditionally believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. According to a number of early writers, the Empress Helena, (250–330 AD) mother of Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, at a date after 312 AD when Christianity was legalized throughout the Empire, travelled to the Holy Land, founding churches and establishing relief agencies for the poor. It was at this time that she discovered the hiding place of three crosses used at the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves that were executed with him. By a miracle it was revealed which of the three was the True Cross. Many churches (including Ethiopian Orthodox Church) possess fragmentary remains which are by tradition alleged to be those of the True Cross.
Meskal, meaning Cross in Amharic version, is one of the most important festivals in Ethiopia. Almost all Ethiopian Christian people celebrate the legendary event; “The Finding of the True Cross”. It has a long history and was widely believed that first celebrated in AD 326.
The finding of the True Cross is celebrates in Ethiopia on every 27 September .The celebration of Meskel assures the presence of the True Cross at mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also commemorates the events carried out by Empress Helena.
In the central highlands, the festival begins on Meskal eve by planting a green tree in town squares and village marketplaces. Everyone brings a pole topped with the beautiful yellow Meskal daisies (dry tall plant), which are abundant in Ethiopia at the end of the rains, placed to form a towering pyramid which is then set alight.
In Addis, large crowds gather in Meskel square near the Church of Saint Estifanos. A colorful procession gathers around the huge pyramid and the torch bearers set it alight. Feasting, drinking and dancing continue until dawn. When the central pole of the pyramid falls down, marking the climax of the event. The next day people return to the fire to make the sign of the cross in the remaining-ashes.
In the southern lands of the Oromo, Gurage, Kambata, Hadiya, Welayta and Gamo people, the festival is the most important event of the year and lasts for at least a week!
Celebrate Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa, Visit Addis Ababa, Discover Merkato, enjoy with tribal live dance centers in Addis Ababa before departure, visit Entoto Maryam, Lucy, Museums in Addis Ababa….
Itinerary
Program: Meskal Festival
Tour Code: Meskal 01
Duration: 13 Nights (14 Days)
Transportation: Land
Period: in every September
Day1: Arrive to Addis. Overnight - hotel
Day2: City Tour of Addis Ababa & (Meskal Festival). Overnight – hotel
Day3: Drive to Dessie. Overnight – hotel
Day4: Drive to Lalibela. Overnight – hotel
Day5: Lalibela Churches. Overnight – hotel
Day6: Drive to Mekelle via Yimrahine Kristos cave Church. Overnight – hotel
Day7: Drive to Axum. Overnight – hotel
Day8: Axum Sites. Overnight – hotel
Day9: Drive to Semien Mountains National Park. Overnight – tented camp
Day10: Drive to Gondar. Overnight – hotel
Day 11: Drive to Bahir Dar. Overnight – hotel
Day 12: Blue Nile and monasteries on Lake Tana. Overnight – hotel
Day 13: Drive to Addis Ababa. Overnight – hotel
Day14: departure
Notice: This itinerary can be amended upon request
