Meskel Square

Meskel Square is a central public space in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, steeped in history and culture. Originally known as Stephen Square, it's famed as the site of the vibrant Meskel Festival – a 1,600-year-old Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the True Cross, marked by a spectacular bonfire ceremony.

Meskel Square is located in the heart of Addis Ababa, within the Kirkos district.

The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent armed conflict and civil unrest in other areas of Ethiopia. The security situation may worsen without warning.

Meskel is a festival in celebration of Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, finding the true cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Mirrored in many ways by Ash Wednesday in the west, the festival competes for top billing and is considered the most important festival for the laity and ordained alike.