About Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)
Meskel is one of the most important festivals of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine, in the fourth century. Inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, it fills public squares across Ethiopia with processions, chanting clergy in vivid robes, and the season's golden Meskel daisies that bloom just as the celebration arrives.
The heart of Meskel is the Demera, a tall conical bonfire of branches topped with a cross that is blessed and set alight at dusk on the eve of the feast. The largest gathering is at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, where tens of thousands sing and circle the flames; the direction in which the burning pole finally falls is read as an omen for the year. Families then return home for feasts that mark the close of the long rainy season.
Meskel falls on Meskerem 17 in the Ethiopian calendar, which lands on September 27 in most years and September 28 in the year before a Gregorian leap year. Because Ethiopia keeps its own ancient calendar, the date shifts by a day on a fixed cycle rather than wandering like a lunar feast. Add Meskel to your own countdown page and watch the days tick down to the lighting of the Demera.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Sunday, September 27, 2026next |
| 2027 | Tuesday, September 28, 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, September 27, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, September 27, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, September 27, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Meskel?
Meskel falls on Meskerem 17 in the Ethiopian calendar — September 27 in most years, and September 28 in the year before a Gregorian leap year. The countdown above shows the days until the next Meskel.
Why is Meskel important?
It commemorates the finding of the True Cross of Jesus by Empress Helena in the fourth century, and is one of the holiest feasts of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, recognised by UNESCO in 2013.
How is Meskel celebrated?
With colourful processions, hymns and the lighting of the Demera — a large bonfire topped with a cross — at dusk on the eve of the feast, most famously at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa.
What is the Demera bonfire?
The Demera is a tall pyramid of branches and a wooden cross that is blessed and burned at the start of Meskel; the way the charred frame falls is traditionally read as a sign for the coming year.