Addis ababa: The nationwide celebration of the Meskel-Demera festival underscores Ethiopia's rich cultural diversity, deep historical roots, and strong national unity, Culture and Sports Minister Shewit Shanka announced.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the festival at Meskel Square, Minister Shewit emphasized Ethiopia's diverse cultural and religious heritage, vibrant values, and historical significance. She highlighted Meskel as one of Ethiopia's UNESCO-inscribed world heritages and noted that the festival symbolizes the nation's unity. Shewit remarked that the diverse celebrations reflect Ethiopia as a multi-national state, where people have coexisted harmoniously for millennia, respecting one another - a value to be preserved for future generations.
The Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining these cultural assets and narratives as foundations for lasting peace and poverty eradication. She pointed to the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a testament to the country's unity and urged for continued collaborative efforts to realize Ethiopia's growth and prosperity.
Ethiopian Christians are actively participating in the Meskel Demera festival, which celebrates the Finding of the True Cross, through various religious and cultural events nationwide. Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie noted that the GERD's success was achieved through perseverance, prayer, and divine blessing, and this year's Demera celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the dam's completion.
The Mayor described the dam as a unifying achievement, paralleling the unity represented by the Demera bonfire. She called on Ethiopians to persist in overcoming poverty and achieving prosperity by drawing strength from the cross. Adanech likened the uncovering of the True Cross from dirt to Ethiopians' need to remove barriers to national development.
Mayor Adanech reaffirmed the city administration's commitment to enhancing Addis Ababa's appeal for hosting significant religious celebrations, citing the improved beauty of Meskel Square as evidence of this dedication.
Meskel, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since December 2013, is a major religious and cultural festival commemorating the finding of the True Cross of Christ. It involves traditional activities such as the Demera bonfire and prayers.