1. Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)
Meskel is celebrated by dancing, feasting and lighting a massive bonfire known in Ethiopian tradition as “Damera.” Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross in the fourth century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 17, Ethiopian calendar (September 27 Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross. The celebration of Meskel signifies the presence of the True Cross at the mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolizes the events carried out by Empress Helena. According to tradition, Empress Helena lit incense and prayed for assistance to guide her. The smoke drifted toward the direction of the buried cross. She dug and found three crosses; one of them was the True Cross used to crucify Jesus Christ. Empress Helena then gave a piece of the True Cross to all churches, including the Ethiopian Church.
2. Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany)
For Ethiopians, “Timket” is one of the most important religious festivals of the year; for many visitors, it’s the most spectacular festival celebration. Thousands of Ethiopians travel to their nearby towns to join the three-day celebration of Epiphany that starts on 18 January every year. Gondar town is the best place to attend Epiphany as it has a historical pool since ancient Emperors for the festival purpose.
4. Gena (Ethiopian Christmas)
Gena (Christmas) takes place on December 29 E.C (January 7 G.C). Gena (Christmas) is celebrated after one and half months of fasting known as Tsome Gahad (Advent), with a spectacular procession, which begins at 6 AM and lasts until 9 AM.
5. Fasika (Easter)
Easter (Fasika) is celebrated after 55 days of severe Lent fasting (Hudade or Abye Tsome). Orthodox Tewahedo Christians do not eat meat and dairy products for the whole 55 days. Vegetarian meals such as lentils, ground split peas, grains, fruit and varieties of vegetable stew accompanied by injera and/or bread are only eaten on these days. Only Saturdays and Sundays are allowed after the morning service to eat vegetarian food. On Easter, everyone goes home to break the fast with the meat of chicken or lamb, slaughtered the previous night after 6 PM, accompanied by injera and traditional drinks (i.e. tella or tej). Like Christmas, Easter is also a day of family reunion, an expression of good wishes with the exchange of gifts (i.e. lamb, goat or loaf of bread).
6. Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)
Ethiopian new year, or so-called Enkutatash, falls on September 1 E.C (September 11 G.C) at the end of the Ethiopian rainy season and is called ‘Enkutatash.’ September 1 is also celebrated to mark the commemoration of Saint John the Baptist. Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) is not only a religious holiday but a day for youths to start a new hope and plan. Schools and universities open back.