Thousands of people in the Ethiopian capital braved a downpour to celebrate Meskel, the first major festival of the religious year.
It marks the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, according to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition.
On Thursday, worshipers gathered in a large public square in Addis Ababa for rituals, speeches and even some theater.
But the highlight was lighting a bonfire in the middle of the square.
There was a lot of security at this year’s celebration; personnel have increased at many major events in Ethiopia, amid sporadic fighting in regions such as Amhara and Oromia.
Traditional instruments play an important role in Meskel procedures.
At one point during the evening, heavy rain fell, causing musicians to play the 10-string begena to cover their instruments.
Singers also gave a show.
The all-female choir decorated themselves with fake versions of adey abeba, a native flower that symbolizes the Ethiopian New Year, which was celebrated earlier this month.
As usual, a huge pyre was lit in the center of the square. The bonfire symbolizes the efforts of Queen Eleni, a medieval Ethiopian ruler, to find the cross of Jesus.
Sunday school students portrayed this scene for Thursday’s crowd, with a young woman donning a huge crown and red cape to play Queen Eleni.
During the celebration, Abune Mathias, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, called on Ethiopians to unite and play a role in bringing peace to the country.
One visitor carrying a wreath had a similar message.
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