Meskel Square, Addis Ababa (must see)

Meskel Square is a large open public space used for gatherings, ceremonies, and everyday movement. It developed in the mid-20th century and has changed names over time as politics changed. It was first called Stephen Square, then renamed Meskel Square in the early 1950s. During the socialist period from 1974 to 1991, it was known as Revolution Square. For many years, the square was mostly a wide paved area with little decoration, designed to hold very large crowds.

The square is best known for the Meskel festival, an Ethiopian Orthodox celebration held each September to mark the discovery of the True Cross. During the event, a large wooden demera is built and burned in a public ceremony. Priests, church choirs, and large crowds gather around the fire, following a tradition linked to Queen Helena and the guiding smoke.

The square has also played an important role in public and political life. It has been used for political rallies, state ceremonies, concerts, and sports-related events. During the socialist period, it hosted military parades and official speeches. Near the square stands a tall concrete monument linked to the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial, which commemorates victims of the Derg regime and reflects the square’s connection to recent history.

In 2021, a major renovation added underground parking for about 1,400 vehicles, stepped seating, cafés, shops, and large screens. On normal days, people walk across the square, sit along the edges, or pause briefly. A visit of about 20 to 30 minutes shows how daily life and public events share the space.