Every September 27th, the streets and skies of Addis Ababa pulse with electric energy during the Meskel Festival, a vibrant celebration marking the finding of the True Cross by Queen Helena in the fourth century. This age-old tradition is more than a festival; it’s a communal ritual where faith and fire meet beneath the Ethiopian sun.

The heart of the celebration lies in the "Demera" bonfire, towering high as thousands gather around its fierce flames. The fire crackles like a living entity, daring all who watch to feel its warmth, its ancient power. As embers spiral upward, colors flare in the sky, the crackling flames mirroring the energy of the city.

Meskel is not just a religious observance but an immersive experience threading through Addis Ababa’s neighborhoods. Streets hum with chants, as priests and deacons clad in white robes and gold-trimmed stoles process through the crowd. The air carries the spicy scent of frankincense, burning steadily alongside the celebration’s exuberance.

For visitors, timing is key. The best vantage points include Meskel Square, where the central bonfire commands attention, and atop nearby hills like Entoto, offering sweeping views of the city soaking in the glow. The event starts late afternoon, with processions winding through the city’s core before culminating in the Demera lighting around dusk.

Planning for Meskel means more than just showing up. Addis Ababa’s altitude (around 2,400 meters) can affect stamina amid the throngs; hydration and pacing are essential. Comfortable, sturdy footwear will help you navigate uneven pavements and the occasional dirt path near the square. Expect crowds—both passionate locals and curious travelers—but the atmosphere is welcoming, spirited, and safe with basic awareness.

Photography opportunities abound: the fire’s golden blaze contrasts sharply against the twilight sky, while the rituals themselves are a masterclass in movement and tradition. Capture the prayers whispered under breath and the steady devotion sweeping through the gathering.

The Meskel Festival is fiercely itself—an unyielding celebration of faith, history, and human connection through fire and community. For those ready to engage fully—not to dominate or merely observe—it offers a profound, fiery embrace of Ethiopian culture and adventure right in Addis Ababa’s beating heart.