Toronto, ON — September 28, 2025 — The Ethiopian Canadian community gathered in vibrant celebration on Sunday at Menbere Berhan Saint Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church, located at 80 Tycos Drive, to mark Meskel Demera, the annual festival commemorating the discovery of the True Cross.

The event, highlighted by the traditional bonfire ceremony, brought together hundreds of faithful and community members dressed in colorful cultural attire. The flames of the Demera lit up the evening sky, symbolizing faith, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Meskel, meaning “cross” in Amharic, is one of Ethiopia’s most treasured religious and cultural traditions. In 2013, UNESCO inscribed the festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its enduring significance and universal values of peace and togetherness.

Sunday’s celebration in Toronto included religious prayers, hymns, and cultural performances, connecting generations of Ethiopian Canadians to their heritage. Elders, youth, and children participated, underscoring the importance of passing down traditions in the diaspora.

Community leaders emphasized that celebrating Meskel abroad not only preserves Ethiopian culture but also enriches Canada’s multicultural mosaic.