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1-Day Meskel Festival Experience in Addis Ababa

1-Day Meskel Festival Experience in Addis Ababa

Offered by: USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Ethiopia ⏱ 1 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Addis Ababa (City)
Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By
Experience Meskel with Kitano Tours and Safaris, the "Festival of the True Cross," one of Ethiopia's most colorful and spiritual festivals. Celebrated on September 27th (or September 28th in a leap year), Meskel is rooted in over 1,600 years of history and commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. The heart of the celebration is the spectacular Meskel bonfire (Demera), a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and renewal. With Kitano Tours and Safaris, this one-day cultural tour immerses you in the spiritual traditions, vibrant music, colorful ceremonies, and communal heartbeat of Ethiopia, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.

Route

Start Addis Ababa (City) (Day 1)
End Addis Ababa (City)

Tour Features

1-Day Meskel Festival Experience in Addis Ababa

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Addis Ababa (City)
  • Duration: 1 Day
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
No accommodation
Lunch

Day by Day

Day 1 Day Meskel Festival Experience in Addis Ababa
⏱Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽Lunch
Meet your local cultural guide in Addis Ababa for an introductory briefing about the history, religious significance, and customs surrounding the Meskel Explore Meskel Square Preparations Walk around the iconic square as it transforms for the main event. Observe the community setting up the Demera (a large ceremonial bonfire made of dry wood and flowers). See locals arriving in traditional white habesha kemis dresses, hear the beating of drums, and enjoy spontaneous dances (eskista) breaking out. Attend Meskel Square for Demera Ceremony Priests in vibrant robes lead prayers and processions. Thousands of participants gather around the Demera, holding candles and singing Orthodox hymns. The Demera is lit by high-ranking clergy in a dramatic ceremony. The flames symbolize the light of faith and the guidance of the True Cross. Afternoon End of Tour.

Rates

From: $286 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Park fees
  • (For non-residents)
  • All activities
  • (Unless labeled as optional)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation
  • (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinking water
  • (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusions

Not included
  • International flights
  • (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips
  • (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items
  • (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Note: Some items may vary depending on season and lodge level.

Getting There

Start: Addis Ababa (City)

End: Addis Ababa (City)

We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off. Ask in your quote request.

Offered By

USD Safari Tours
USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 • 1600 reviews
More about this operator