Meskel Festival Ethiopia 8 Days

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MESKEL
Feast Of The Holy Cross

Embark on this incredible journey to Ethiopia for the stunning Meskel Festival, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s annual celebration. Meskel, held every year on 26th and 27th September is the most significant holiday in Ethiopia that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman. You will also discover in this Tour, Ethiopia’s natural beauty as it reveals itself in the Simen Mountains and Blue Nile Falls. Explore Africa’s Camelot, stunning Gondar. And there is more to discover on this exciting adventure!

Highlights of the Tour

This 9 Days wonderful itinerary offers the opportunity to witness and share in the annual Meskel ceremonies and discover the Famous Ethiopian Northern Historic Route. Meskel, the great religious holiday began on September 27 with Demera, a public ceremony where Ethiopians gather around a large bonfire in memory of Jesus' crucifixion and the discovery of "the true cross". Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the center of the capital, Addis Ababa but the ceremony is held every village. Then in the shape of a cross, the ashes are marked on foreheads, similar to Ash Wednesday. Ashes represent death as well as repentance. Christians demonstrate repentance and sadness for their sins during this time because they believe Christ died for them. The Meskel Festival, which has been classified by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity, was to continue the next day, with people celebrating it this time at home or with neighbours. The top spots are in Addis Ababa and Gondar. The Tour also gives the travelers an opportunity to explore other fascinating sites in Northern Ethiopia Historic Route including the Simen Mountains National Park, Blue Nile Falls, Castles of Gondar, Remarkable Rock churches of Lalibela, Ancient Monasteries on Lake Tana. You will have a very special trip to one of the most fascinating countries in Arica. Come prepared to be amazed!

Tour Itinerary

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Day-01    September 20 – Addis Ababa to Lalibela

This morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, the most famous of all of Ethiopia’s historic cities and contains the most stunning Christian architecture in Africa. Often referred to as ‘New Jerusalem’ and ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, the town’s eleven beautiful rock-cut churches draw pilgrims from all over the world. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, these religious monoliths are carved from the red volcanic rock. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are grouped into two parts and each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. Today, in the afternoon, you will discover the Northwestern group of churches, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. Finally you be transfer to your Accommodation.

Day-02    September 21 – Lalibela

After morning breakfast, set off by car to the cave church of Yemrhane Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. This fascinating church is constructed inside a cave and Aksumite Kingdom architectural techniques are visible. It is similar to the 7th-century monastery at Debre Damo in Tigray, with alternating levels of wood and stone. Back to the town of Lalibela for lunch. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela. You will visit Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rafael (possibly a former royal palace). Finally discover Bete Giyorgis, often regarded as Lalibela’s most beautiful church.

Day-03    September 22 – Lalibela to Bahir Dar

Start a full-day scenic journey from Lalibela to Bahir Dar located on the southern shore of Lake Tana and is famous for its Blue Nile Fall and ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana. On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery, the countryside and meet the local people. Stop at Awramba Community Village and learn their way of life. This is a self-sufficient community and follows four principles: respecting equality of women, respecting children’s rights, caring for the elderly, and avoiding bad deeds. They also add “Accepting all humans as brothers and sisters” on their list of principles. Arrive at Lalibela, home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination, late in the afternoon and transfer to your Accommodation.

Day-04    September 23 – Bahir Dar

In the morning, a boat sail on Lake Tana to visit Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Lake Tana is famous to be the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the famous Blue Nile River. You will visit, after a short walk, the monasteries of Ura Kidane Miheret and Azwa Maryam which are located on the Zege Peninsula and are famous for their beautiful mural paintings and ancient religious manuscripts. You will also visit, on the way back to Bahir Dar, the outlet of the Blue Nile River, Hippos, and some aquatic birds. Afternoon, short excursion to the Blue Nile Falls or ‘Tis Isat’ in the local language Amharic, considered one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. Tis Isat, meaning ‘Water that smokes’, is an amazing sight, kicking up a thunderous wall of spray as it crashes over a 45-meter high cliff before being channeled into a frothing gorge. From the small village of Tis Abay, an impressive series of full-frontal viewpoints can be reached along a 1.5km footpath across the 17th century Alata Bridge. Finally, return back to Bahir Dar and transfer to your Accommodation

Day-05   September 24 – Bahir Dar to Gondar

Set off towards Gondar, passing through picturesque farmlands and highland mountains. Gondar was Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and is often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. After a lunch break, start exploring the sites of Gondar. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. Overnight in Gondar.

Day-06   September 25 – Excursion to Simen Mountains

After breakfast, travel by road to the famous Simen Mountains via Debark town, the gateway to Simen Mountains National Park. The Simiens are Africa’s highest mountain range, with a dozen peaks exceeding 4,267 meters in height. This National Park is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most dramatic scenery and is best known for its endemic Ethiopian Wildlife. This afternoon you will have easy walks (2-3 hours) and your guide take you to some awe-inspiring viewpoints. You will mostly walk on Afro-Alpine moorland which is the favored habitat of endemic Gelada Baboons. These friendly Baboons are known for their golden manes, bright pink breasts, and comical facial expressions. Finally, return back to Gondar and transfer to your Accommodation.

Day-07   September 26 – Gondar to Addis Ababa (Eve of Meskel Festival)

Fly back from Gondar to Addis Ababa and you will be transferred to your Hotel. After lunch and a short break, you will be transferred to Meskel Square to attend the eve of the festival. There is a special section of the square specifically prepared for travelers in order to get a good view of the celebration. The Meskel festival marks the end of the three-month-long rainy season and the return of sunlight. The festival starts with a procession of young deacons and clergy. Then, different church choirs perform. Each choir group wears its own special processional clothing which is ornately decorated and rich in symbolism, and performs chants and choral pieces, accompanied by dances and coordinated movements. Finally, the festival ends with the lighting of a huge bonfire which is located middle of the square. At the end of the ceremony, you will be transferred to your Accommodation.

Day-08   September 27 – Departure

Today you will have a full day city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next, you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Then you will be transferred to a hotel for a few hours to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.