Yeguzo

Meskel , also known as Ethiopian Cross Day , is one of the most vibrant and significant annual religious holidays in Ethiopia and Eritrea . Celebrated primarily by the Orthodox Tewahedo Church , the festival commemorates the discovery of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, with its roots tracing back to the 4th century. The word "Meskel" means "cross" in Ge'ez , the ancient liturgical language of Ethiopia. While it is a major religious observance, Meskel has evolved into a spectacular national event, celebrated with unique cultural traditions recognized by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity . The Legend of the Discovery The festival's origins lie in the story of Saint Helena (Empress Eleni), the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great . According to tradition, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4th century, Queen Helena had a dream revelation in which she was instruc...

The Great Ethiopian Renaissance is being inaugurated, marking a historic moment when Ethiopians finally embrace their dream of harnessing their abundant natural resources. Through skillful diplomacy and resolute political efforts, they have risen above long-standing challenges.  This monumental achievement is a testament to the dedication of countless individuals—from the experts who meticulously studied the Abay basin and conquered the treacherous gorge, to the brave citizens who endured the sweltering heat of the Guba River to bring this magnificent project to fruition. The sacrifices made by all have been extraordinary. Leaders have illuminated the path forward, while specialists have offered their invaluable expertise across a diverse array of fields. This endeavor has unified every segment of society, including the mothers and elders whose unwavering commitment fueled the dam’s construction, as well as Ethiopians living in the diaspora who passionately defended their homeland’...

 Addis Ababa Wins Gold Award in Global Speed Management Competition Addis Ababa has been honored with the prestigious Gold Award in the inaugural Global Speed Management Competition, organized by the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety in Washington, D.C. The city distinguished itself as the top performer among eight finalists. From 2015 to 2017, this important initiative encouraged cities and municipalities worldwide to adopt and implement speed limits in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). The focus was on designing and enforcing strategies aimed at reducing speeding, with speed limits set below 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas and below 30 kilometers per hour in sensitive zones, such as schools, hospitals, and markets. Mayor Adanech Abebe of Addis Ababa remarked, “We are deeply honored to receive the Gold Award for our city's achievements in global road safety as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropy Initiative. This recognition undersco...

A cheerful symbol of our tireless dedication. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) underscores the profound significance of Ethiopia's construction, emphasizing that it is rooted in immense sacrifices made by its people:  a drop of blood,  a drop of sweat,  a drop of tears, and  a drop of water.  These elements symbolize the tireless dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit of Ethiopians throughout history. The dam, a monumental achievement, is envisioned not merely as an infrastructure project but as a living testament to these collective efforts. It will stand for generations, embodying the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the Ethiopian people as a powerful reminder of their journey toward progress and unity.  

  What does the ID4Africa 2025 conference mean for Ethiopia? Let’s talk about something truly exciting: Digital ID! It’s not just about numbers and registration; it’s really about opening doors—to loans, schools, healthcare, subsidies, and maybe even saving us from spending hours in government offices (honestly, wouldn’t that be a line worth singing in our national anthem?). Ethiopia’s digital ID program is all about more than just figuring out who people are. It’s about empowering them to grow and thrive—economically, socially, and digitally. And that’s a change we should all keep an eye on! Programs like Fayda aim to help people connect with services and drive economic growth, positioning Ethiopia as a shining example of digital transformation on the continent. Ethiopia recently hosted the ID4Africa 2025 conference, which highlighted the country’s strong commitment to digital identity. Leaders from different nations came together to share ideas and discuss the latest trends....

       The fate of the Ark of the Covenant remains a mystery, with its whereabouts uncertain. Some believe it was hidden before the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in 586 BC, while others speculate it may be in Ethiopia or hidden elsewhere throughout history. The search for the Ark has inspired numerous discussions in books, films, and religious contexts.        The Ark played a crucial role in the religious practices of the Israelites. It was carried during their wilderness journeys and placed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and possessing divine power.      Interesting claims have emerged from the CIA regarding the Ark's existence through remote viewing—a form of extrasensory perception (ESP). Declassified documents suggest the Ark is guarded by unidentified entities. One psychic reportedly provided coordinates for an object matching the Ark's description, ...

 Ramadan is almost over. Muslims worldwide are waiting for Saudi Arabia to announce the sighting of the crescent moon, which will mark the end of Ramadan. This announcement should happen this weekend. Many are wondering when Eid al-Fitr will be. About 2 billion Muslims are in the same situation. As Ramadan enters its last 10 nights, we expect to see the waxing crescent moon by the end of March. When this happens, nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, including about 1% of Ohio’s population who are Muslim, will prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Does Eid al-Fitr have a fixed date? When will the new crescent moon appear? Here is what you need to know about this holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslim communities rely on Saudi Arabia’s trained moon spotters to confirm the date for the first day of Shawwal, which is Eid al-Fitr. Until we see the waxing crescent moon, we expect Eid al-Fitr to be on Sunday, March 30, according to Saudi A...