5-Day Meskel Festival Itinerary

Highlights:

Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to learn about the history and culture of Ethiopia, including the famous fossil of Lucy.
Explore the Ethnological Museum, where you’ll gain insights into the diverse ethnic groups of Ethiopia.

Evening:

Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with live music and dance performances at a local restaurant, such as The Habesha Restaurant or T’Fasil Restaurant.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Morning:

Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral to experience the Meskel Festival mass. The church hosts one of the grandest celebrations of Meskel, with processions, prayers, and hymns performed in the traditional Ge’ez language.
Watch the Demera ceremony as the locals gather to witness the lighting of the bonfire, which is symbolic of the finding of the True Cross. The bonfire is lit at Meskel Square and attracts thousands of spectators.

Afternoon:

After the ceremony, you can explore the Meskel Square, where people gather to celebrate with music, dancing, and traditional costumes.
Take part in a local Meskel feast, where Ethiopian specialties like injera, doro wat, and kitfo are served. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as the community celebrates together.

Evening:

Experience the vibrant Meskel street celebrations in the city center, where street performers and musicians add to the festivities.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Morning:

Take an early morning flight to Gondar (approximately 1 hour).
Visit Fasiladas Bath, where the Demera bonfire ceremony takes place in Gondar. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where one of the largest and most impressive bonfires is lit during the festival. The royal enclosure provides a dramatic backdrop for the celebrations.
Join the grand procession as priests, deacons, and the faithful carry the sacred crosses and holy objects to the bonfire site. Witness the prayers and rituals that are part of this deeply spiritual event.

Afternoon:

Explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautiful frescoes and unique architectural design. This church is a significant site for Meskel celebrations in Gondar.
Take part in the local Meskel festivities, where traditional dances and music are performed in celebration of the event.

Evening:

Enjoy a traditional Gondarian dinner, including doro wat, injera, and t’ej (honey wine), while watching local cultural performances.
Overnight in Gondar.

Morning:

Take a flight to Axum (about 1 hour).
Visit St. Mary of Zion Church, one of the most sacred sites in Ethiopia and a major center for Meskel celebrations. The church is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, making it a deeply revered site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
Join the Meskel Festival mass at St. Mary of Zion and witness the spiritual rituals performed in honor of the True Cross.

Afternoon:

Explore the Stelae Field, where towering obelisks and ancient ruins stand. Axum is one of Ethiopia’s most historic cities, and the Meskel Festival adds to its cultural and spiritual vibrancy.
Experience the traditional Meskel dances performed in the streets and at churches throughout the city. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample local delicacies during the festival.

Evening:

Participate in the lighting of the Demera (bonfire) in Axum, where large crowds gather to celebrate. The sight of the bonfire against the backdrop of Axum’s historical sites makes for a spectacular visual.
Overnight in Axum.

Morning:

After breakfast, take a flight back to Addis Ababa (about 1 hour).
If you have time, visit the Merkato Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, for a unique shopping experience and a chance to pick up souvenirs from your trip.

Afternoon:

Visit Mount Entoto, a historical and religious site with views over Addis Ababa, or take a stroll through the Addis Ababa Museum for further exploration of the city’s history.

Evening:

Tour Code HFT03