Millions of Ethiopian Christians gathered to celebrate Meskel, the holiday marking the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena in the fourth century, even as fighting continued in the northern Tigray region. The holiday, observed on September 27 and 28, also marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa, thousands gathered at Meskel Square for prayers and the lighting of a huge bonfire, while other communities across the country maintained traditional celebrations. However, the renewed conflict between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters prevented some families from reuniting. Many worshippers used the occasion to pray for peace, particularly after the 2020–2022 Tigray war killed thousands and displaced more than one million people.