Celebrations and Songs

In Egypt, Coptic Christians hold joyful mulids, like holy carnivals, to celebrate Saint Takla Haymanot at his church in Alexandria! These festivals, full of singing, food, and prayers through Christ, happen around his feast day, 24 Mesra (August 30), when people honor this Ethiopian saint loved far beyond his homeland. At St. Takla’s Church, kids and families gather near his mosaic, tradition says showing him overcoming evil, singing and clapping to thank him for miracles, like when, some say, a 2015 storm stopped after their prayers. The air buzzes with joy, and some camp out, sharing stories of Takla’s help through Christ, like a friend who stays close.

Mulids are loud and fun, with vendors selling sweets and small icons of Takla with wings. Some say a kid felt a breeze, like Takla passed by during the singing! For Coptic kids, mulids show how this monk from Showa connects their faith to Ethiopia’s, making the festival a party filled with Takla’s love through Christ. Saint Takla’s Coptic mulids are a happy “hello” to a saint who listens through Christ, cheering us on!