Press Release
Aurora, Colorado – August 23, 2024 – The Colorado Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church invites the public to join in celebrating Meskel, an ancient Ethiopian tradition, at Lowry Park in Aurora on September 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. This event highlights a tradition recognized by UNESCO in 2013 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Meskel, or “Finding of the True Holy Cross of Christ,” is a significant, time-honored festival celebrated by Ethiopians worldwide. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, traces its roots back to the 4th century and continues to thrive, including here in Colorado. The celebration features the traditional Demera ceremony, where a grand bonfire is ignited to symbolize the discovery of the True Cross. This year, congregants from five Ethiopian Orthodox churches in Colorado, along with members of the broader community, will gather to honor this enduring tradition.
The evening’s festivities will feature the construction of the “Demera” – a conical pyre adorned with green grass and Abyssinian daisies. Attendees will enjoy vibrant hymns, rhythmic dances performed by priests, and the lighting of the bonfire by the Archbishop of the Colorado Ethiopian Orthodox Diocese and the Mayor of Aurora, Colorado. The event serves as both a spiritual gathering and a celebration of community unity, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
For over 31 years, the Colorado Ethiopian community has celebrated Meskel in the Denver Metro area, with the 2018 event covered by 9NEWS – “Ethiopians Unite for Meskel.” (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/d6so2ViQdPs1Ziws/)
This year’s celebration promises to be a memorable occasion for all attendees, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual contributions of the Ethiopian American community in Colorado.
For more information, please contact:
Wubalem Alemu
Email: alemuwby@gmail.com
Phone: 720-217-4159
Nebiyu Asfaw
Email: nebiyuasfaw@gmail.com
Phone: 303.915.3550
We hope to see you at Lowry Park to share in the beauty and significance of Meskel!
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