Ethiopia expressed readiness to roll out the red carpet for tourists flocking to it to witness the plethora of colorful cultural & religious festivals in the month of Meskerem.
While weighing in on preparations made to shower tourists with bountifulness and cordiality, Sileshi Girma, State Minister for Tourism, pointed out that Meskerem falls between September 11th and October 10th (Gregorian Calendar), and represents the start of the new year in Ethiopia, symbolising an exciting time of change, thanksgiving and renewal, with the celebration of a series of cultural and religious festivals throughout the month.
Meskel, a UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural heritage, is celebrated by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians on Meskerem 17. A week before the Meskel festivities, Masala, Mashqaro and Yo Yo Gifata are celebrated among the Kembata, Kaffa and Wolayita, respectively, each signifying the start of the New Year according to traditional calendars. For the Hadiya of Central Ethiopia State, Yahode Meskela is considered to be the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated by burning the big Demera. Meskel also signifies a season of merrymaking among the Guraghe and Gamo of Ethiopia, who celebrate it with no less color and vibe than their faithful counterparts in Addis Ababa. Towards the end of this commemorative season of Meskerem comes the Irrecha, a thanksgiving ceremony among the Oromo.
Girma underlined that massive preparations are underway aimed at creating an enabling environment for tourists who are going to visit Ethiopia to attend the cultural and religious festivals as well as the tourism sites of the country.
Every year, thousands of tourists from all corners of the world flock to Ethiopia to attend these festivals.
A host of cutting-edge tourism infrastructures have been built in the country to tap the sector's potential for the development of the economy, and that creating a conducive environment is therefore so crucial for tourists to extend their stay while attending the festivals and visiting heritage sites.
"September, November, and January see a lot of celebrations, like the Meskel and Irrecha festivals among others. These events are very beneficial to the development of tourism in the country and provide opportunity to build the nation's image because many visitors come to enjoy them. In this regard, we will exert efforts to enhance visitor's satisfaction so that they can stay longer in the country,” Sileshi said.
Meskerem has always represented an excellent time to visit Ethiopia and surely stands alone as the perfect time to discover all that the Land of Origins has to offer.//