Meskel in Gondar, 2010

As I work my way into the fray, the massive Meskel cross goes from smoke to flame. Seconds after I take this video, the men around me inform me that next there will be a fight...as the masses charge the cross as it falls, in hopes of securing a piece of the holy (burning hot) cinders. The anxious crowd is (literally) beat back by armed guards when one yanks me from the crowd and pulls me into the empty center. A boy of 12 takes my hand and steers me through the smoke-filled chaos as men and children chant and charge the center, dragging steaming red-hot branches. At their instruction I pick up a bit of stinging coal and the boy rubs a cross on my forehead, as Greek Orthodox priests look on. Then a man hoists me to his shoulders as they chant around me. "Abueba" or "Flower". It was amazing.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Gondar
• Mescal