Demera, the fertival commemorating the eve of the founding of the true cross up on which Jesus was crucified, is colorfully and peacefully celebrated in the capital, Addis Ababa and in all other areas of the country.
The festival commemorates the date that Saint Helena began to look for the cross, Sep. 27, 334 G.C in Rome.
The festival at Meskel Square is attended by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Patriarch Abune Mathias, Minister of Culture and Tourism, thousands of worshipers, higher government officials, diplomats, tourisms and others.
The Patriarch, speaking to the gathering, noted that Ethiopians have to preserve their long-standing mutual unity, peace and tranquility.
The damages that are being posed at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church need to be stopped, he underscored.
He urged the worshippers and others to cooperate, help each other and sustain national unity, peace and love.
Chants and spiritual songs staged by students of the church have also given color to the festival.
The festival was finalized after the burning of the bonfire prepared at the Square, representing the smoke that led St. Helena to find the cross.
The festival has been underway in different parts of the country at the same time.
The Meskel festival is registered by the UNESCO as one of the intangible heritages of the world.