Published • loading... • Updated
Ethiopians celebrate Meskel holiday with pomp, despite recent fighting in Tigray
Thousands prayed for peace as bonfires and choir performances marked Meskel, with conflict in Tigray raising fears of wider fighting.
- On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered to celebrate Meskel, commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Roman Empress Helena in the 4th century, even as conflict continues in Tigray.
- Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Meskel marks the end of the rainy season; this year's celebration occurs amid renewed fighting in Tigray that has spread to Amhara and Afar, raising fears of Eritrean involvement.
- Thousands gathered in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square to pray before lighting a huge bonfire. Toronto-based lawyer Teklemariam Sahlemariam described festivities in Welkite as filled with "pomp and pageantry."
- Kibrom Yohannes, who traveled from Denmark to Adigrat, found his flight canceled due to clashes between government troops and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Having not seen his family for five years, he celebrated in Welkite while worrying about his mother.
- Many Ethiopians are offering prayers for peace amid renewed fears of war. Deacon Fikreab Lebeza of the Orthodox Church noted peace is essential for dialogue, while Sara Dinkayehu said she came to ask God for peace to reign over the nation.
Insights by Ground AI
14 Articles
14 Articles
Associated Press News+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
Ethiopians celebrate Meskel holiday with pomp, despite recent fighting in Tigray
Millions of Christians in Ethiopia have gathered to celebrate Meskel, a religious holiday that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman empress Helena in the fourth century.
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
Addis Ababa, 26 Sep (Latin Press) Followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church today celebrate Meskel, considered one of the most important religious events in the country, commemorating the discovery of the true cross on which Jesus was crucified. The post Ethiopia celebrates Meskel festival, one of the largest in the country first appeared on News Prensa Latina.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left7Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Left
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources lean Left
58% Left
L 58%
C 25%
R 17%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
