Several followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church at Meskel to celebrate the festival of Demera.
The celebration involves procession held on the eve of the Meskel Holiday, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross, according to the Church’s teachings.
The festival is being celebrated in Addis Ababa with a colourful religious ceremony.
The word “Demera” came from a Ge’ez word which means made one or gathered together. The Feast of the Cross, Meskel is not only spiritual Holiday but it is also physical and social, it symbolises the greatness of the people, a very old tradition (1600 years to be exact).
President Sahle Work Zewde, many religious leaders, led by His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Sixth Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklehaimanot are expected in attendance.