Addis Ababa prepares for Demera festival to be held at Meskel Square tomorrow

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2023 (FBC) – Residents of Addis Ababa participated in preparatory activities as Addis Ababa is ready to host the celebration of the Demera festival to be marked tomorrow at Meskel Square, the biggest open public square in the capital.

Cleaning and beatification works are among the preparatory activities carried out involving hundreds of residents from all walks of life.

Manager of the Addis Ababa City Administration at the rank of Deputy Mayor, Tiratu Beyene, said the preparatory activities attest to the harmonious coexistence and mutual support among people from different religious and cultural backgrounds.

Leaders of various religions, government officials have also participated in the cleaning and beautification activities held as part of the preparation for the Demera Holiday.

The term Demera is derived from the Ge’ez verb to mean ‘Unify’ to describe the collection of woods to make a grand bonfire which is the replica of what Queen Elena made to find the exact place where the true cross was buried for centuries.

Demera is celebrated nationwide on the eve of the anniversary of the Meskel Holiday which commemorates the finding of the True Cross.