Celebrations and Songs

In Ethiopia, Saint Takla Haymanot’s feasts are huge, colorful parties with drumming and dancing, especially on 24 Nehase! At Debre Libanos Monastery, where his holy relics rest, thousands of pilgrims come every August 30 to celebrate his going to heaven at 99 years old, making a joyful day because he’s alive with Christ. Monks lead processions around his tomb, waving crosses and banners, while kids bang drums and shake sistrums, rattly instruments that sound like a holy party through Christ. Some say they also honor his holy relics’ move from the cave, when a lamp lit itself, with feasts that last into the night under Showa’s starry sky.

Another big celebration happens every month on the 12th, tied to, tradition says, Takla’s family honoring Archangel Michael, who gave him wings. Families cook special food and sing, thanking Takla for little miracles through Christ, like, some say, finding a lost goat or helping a sick friend. For Ethiopian kids, these feasts are like a giant birthday party for their favorite saint, where they dance and eat, feeling Takla cheer with them through Christ. Saint Takla’s Ethiopian feasts are loud, happy times that show he’s still the Father of Monks, keeping everyone together through Christ!