Meskel is a Christian festival celebrated in Ethiopia and Eritrea that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. The festival is held on September 27th, or 28th during a leap year, and is considered a hugely important public holiday in Ethiopia. The festival is celebrated with religious and civil leaders presiding over the celebration, public figures giving speeches, and references to biblical themes and stories. Many Ethiopians who live in cities return to their home villages to celebrate the national event.

The Meskel festival celebration begins with the burning of a large bonfire called Demera, by a large procession of Christians at the Meskel square, named after the festival, in the capital city of Addis Ababa. This Demera-procession often begins at the eve of the event or sometimes the morning of the celebration. A cross made from demera flowers is placed upon the pile, and the families return home, in anticipation of the start of celebrations. As morning approaches, communities across the land attend a liturgy held within local churches.

Meskel is a must-see festival as it displays the rich Christian heritage of Ethiopia and also displays the beauty of the country. UNESCO inscribed Meskel in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.