Ethiopian Pilgrims Revisit Aksum, the Holy City of the Ark of Covenant, for a Festive Celebration

Ethiopia's holy city of Aksum has seen a massive influx of people, with estimates suggesting that up to half a million individuals have gathered for a religious festival. This is the first time the festival is taking place since the end of the civil war in the northern region of Tigray. Aksum holds immense significance for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who believe it is home to the Ark of the Covenant – a sacred artifact said to contain the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God and brought to the city from Jerusalem. The ark is securely guarded in the Our Lady Mary of Zion Church, and access to it is strictly prohibited. Pilgrims gather near the church to celebrate the festival of St Mary of Zion, which is currently occurring. Many individuals have traveled long distances to attend, expressing that this moment is something they have eagerly awaited for their entire lives. The civil war, which lasted two years and resulted in the deaths of numerous people, concluded just over a year ago. Aksum, which is believed to be the birthplace of the biblical Queen of Sheba, was the focal point of the conflict, with the ancient city being the site of a reported massacre early on. Despite the tumultuous past, the situation in the region is now relatively peaceful, leading to a sense of relief among attendees. As part of the festival, priests offered prayers and expressed gratitude to God for the newfound peace, representing a significant moment considering the recent conflict. Worshipers from different factions involved in the civil war came together in Aksum with an overarching spirit of peace. The priests conducted their prayers near a field filled with ancient obelisks or stelae, which date back to the 4th century. One of these obelisks was taken to Rome during Italy's occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930s, but it was later returned in 2008 and re-erected in Aksum. The city's inhabitants exhibited their culture of hospitality by welcoming and accommodating strangers, offering them food, and inviting them into their homes. Those without personal connections in Aksum stayed in church compounds or the houses of relatives. Additionally, vendors took advantage of the gathering, selling colorful crucifixes and parasols to the pilgrims. Aksum's rich history and the significance of the religious festival draw attention to this iconic Ethiopian city.