Ethiopians celebrate Meskel holiday with pomp, despite recent fighting in Tigray

In WELKITE, Ethiopia, millions of Christians celebrated Meskel, a religious holiday commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Roman empress Helena in the 4th century, despite ongoing fighting in the northern Tigray region. Meskel signifies the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring in this predominantly agrarian society. This year's celebration coincides with renewed conflict in Tigray, which has spread to neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, raising concerns of Eritrea's involvement as a proxy actor.

Kibrom Yohannes, who had traveled from Denmark to join the festivities in Adigrat, Tigray, had his flight abruptly canceled due to escalating tensions. He now celebrates Meskel in Welkite with relatives while anxiously awaiting his family's safety in Tigray. Yohannes, who brought diabetes medication for his ailing mother, fears her condition may worsen due to the conflict's disruption of transportation.

UNESCO recognizes Meskel as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, celebrated with great enthusiasm in southern Ethiopia. Teklemariam Sahlemariam, a Toronto-based lawyer visiting Welkite for the second year, witnessed fewer visitors this year but marveled at the elaborate festivities, including religious rituals like the lighting of a large bonfire and, in some regions, animal sacrifices.

Orthodox Church deacon Fikreab Lebeza emphasized the importance of peace during this holy day, stating that "peace is essential for everything; without it, we can neither celebrate our holidays nor engage in meaningful dialogue."

Amid the celebrations, many Ethiopians offered prayers for peace, fearing war could resurface following the Tigray war's conclusion in 2022, which resulted in thousands of deaths and over a million displaced persons. Sara Dinkayehu, a merchant in Addis Ababa, prayed for peace at Meskel Square, where thousands gathered to pray before a massive bonfire.