Meskel in Ethiopia: Festival fires burn bright despite downpour

1000’s in Ethiopia’s capital metropolis defied a downpour to rejoice Meskel, the primary massive competition of the non secular yr.

It marks the invention of the cross Jesus was crucified on, in line with Ethiopian Orthodox Christian custom.

On Thursday, believers gathered in a big public plaza in Addis Ababa for rituals, speeches and even a spot of theatre.

However the spotlight was the lighting of a bonfire within the centre of the sq..

There was heavy safety presence at this yr’s celebration – personnel numbers have been beefed up at many main occasions in Ethiopia amid sporadic combating in areas reminiscent of Amhara and Oromia.

Conventional devices play a major function in Meskel proceedings.

Heavy rain fell at one level throughout the night, prompting musicians enjoying the 10-stringed begena to cowl their devices.

Vocalists additionally placed on a present.

This all-female choir adorned themselves with mock variations of adey abeba, an indigenous flower that symbolises the Ethiopian New Yr, which was marked earlier this month.

As is customary, an enormous pyre was lit on the centre of the sq.. The bonfire signifies the efforts made by Queen Eleni, a medieval Ethiopian ruler, to search out Jesus’ cross.

Sunday faculty college students portrayed this scene for Thursday’s crowds, with one younger lady donning an enormous crown and purple cape to play Queen Eleni.

Throughout the celebration Abune Mathias, the patriarch of Ethiopia’s Orthodox Church, known as on Ethiopians to unite and play an element in bringing peace to the nation.

One wreath-wearing attendee had an identical message.