Fatshimetrie
In the heart of Ethiopia, an atmosphere of fervor and devotion enveloped Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. Thousands of faithful of the Christian Orthodox Church converged on this emblematic place to celebrate the religious festival of Meskel. This event, registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, celebrates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus is said to have been crucified, as well as its recovery by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.
The festivities stretch generously over two days, offering the faithful the opportunity to reunite with family, participate in intense religious celebrations and share moments of intimacy. Fire takes a central place in this celebration, symbolizing the light and warmth of faith. Bonfires are lit across the country, illuminating the Ethiopian sky and recalling the miraculous story of Saint Helena guided by a heavenly revelation.
In Meskel Square, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church began a solemn procession, lighting a large pyre under the moved gaze of thousands of worshipers dressed in white. Sacred music resonates in the air, carrying the fervor and spirituality of the event.
The religious ceremonies are followed by a feast, where the faithful delight in “kitfo”, a dish made from minced meat reminiscent of steak tartare. A gourmet tradition that is rooted in the symbol of sacrifice and communion.
However, in this delicate period for Ethiopia, the Meskel festival carries with it a light of hope and unity. In a context of geopolitical tensions with Somalia and Egypt, as well as internal unrest in the Amhara region, the religious celebration appears as a beacon of ancestral wisdom and inner peace.
Territorial and water disputes cannot undermine the strength of faith and tradition. On the contrary, they seem to strengthen the determination of the Ethiopian people to preserve their roots and cultivate unity beyond differences.
Thus, the Meskel festival, through its profound symbolism and spiritual power, reveals itself as a pillar of Ethiopian identity, inviting everyone to come together in the light of the cross and find the strength to overcome trials with faith and determination.