Celebrations and Songs

Every May 19, Ethiopia’s churches fill with color and sound to honor St. Yared, celebrating his life with a feast that reflects heavenly joy. In places like Aksum and Gondar, crowds gather, waving banners as debteras chant a hymn called Yared Ze-Mezmur and shake tsenatsils, while drums beat to rhythms tradition says Yared inspired for aquaquam dances. Some believe one May 19, rain threatened Lalibela’s festival, but singers sang Deggua, and the sun broke through, as if through Yared’s intercession. Children love joining parades, twirling sticks and singing, their voices joining in worship.

This feast is a way to thank Yared for his music. Families share bread and sing Araray late into the night, inspired by his legacy. Some believe a shy boy in Tigray led the Ezel chant after praying to Yared, earning cheers that echoed through the hills. For Orthodox youth, May 19 is a day to worship Christ, inspired by Yared’s legacy through song and dance.