Ethiopia has multiple cultural, natural and historical resources, hidden from the rest of the world for generations. Promoting and developing such off the beaten path destinations is one of the causes behind the World Tourism Day 2022 motto #RethinkingTourism. Let us all bring such hidden gems to light and #rethinktourism.
I was part of the Demera celebration at Mt.Eme Mehret few days ago with Guzo Adwa Hiking Events and here are some photographs I took along the way. The religious celebration commemorating celebrating finding of the true cross in Ethiopia has just been celebrated and is truly a magnificent spectacle to experience.
Part of the true cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on is believed to have come to Ethiopia during the time of Emperor David, and placed in Gishen Mariam by Emperor Zera Yacob sometime in the mid 15th century. Ever since, Demera (burning of a bonfire that resembles how Empress Helena, mother of Constantine discovered the true cross) is celebrated throughout the country every year and one of the first places where this ritual was observed is Mount Eme Mehret, citing part of the cross’s stay on the mountain, before it’s permanent move to Gishen Mariam.
Eme Mehret is a magnificent undulating mountain, 3505 meters above sea level near Ankober area of Northern Shewa Zone. Local legend has it that the name Eme Mehret, which translates to Mother of Mercy was given by holy angels . The Demera lighting ceremony on this mountain surrounded by clouds takes place in the morning of September 26. The challenging hike leading to the top of the mountain where the ritual is held takes approximately 1:30 – 2:00 hours, through truly breath taking scenery that almost looks and feels like you are in the Simien Mountains. Every year, thousands of Ethiopians make pilgrimages to the holy place of Gishen, to celebrate this unique festival. As important as the voyage to Gishen is, it would be even more meaningful to also take the journey to Eme Mihret for its significance.
Consider this trip for your next Meskel celebrations in 2023.
Text and Photos by Michael Metaferia ©
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