Axum: Ark of the Covenant City Welcomes Pilgrims for the Festival of Mary of Zion.
The historic city of Axum is preparing to host the annual Festival of Mary of Zion, or Hidar Tsion, this Saturday. As one of the most revered religious events for the Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the festival draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.
The Axum City Police Office has announced extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and secure celebration. Commander Mekonnen Assefa, the city’s police chief, emphasized a coordinated effort involving law enforcement, community forums, and local administrations to safeguard attendees.
“We conducted a security conference with station administrators and stakeholders at all levels,” said Commander Mekonnen. “We have made all the necessary preparations to ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully. This year’s Hidar Tsion will undoubtedly be a calm and joyous event.”
The Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, is the focal point of the celebrations. Pilgrims and tourists have already begun arriving, drawn by the spiritual significance of the festival and Axum’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
As part of security measures, motorcycles are banned in the city starting November 27 to ease traffic congestion. Police have also called on the public to remain vigilant against minor incidents such as pickpocketing.
“Forums involving the police, security structures, judiciary, and youth have been organized to strengthen community ownership of the process,” added Commander Mekonnen. “We do not anticipate any security concerns.”
A Journey Through Axum’s History
Priest Sisay Yimer, a preacher at the historic Church of St. Mary of Zion, reflected on the city’s deep biblical and historical roots. He recounted the story of the Queen of Sheba, known as Makeda in Tigrayan tradition, and her legendary visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem.
“Hearing of Solomon’s wisdom, the Queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem with a grand entourage, bringing spices, gold, and precious stones as gifts,” said Priest Sisay, referencing the Old Testament in 1 Kings.
Impressed by Solomon’s wisdom and devotion, the Queen praised him and returned to her homeland. According to legend, their union resulted in the birth of Menelik I, who later traveled to Jerusalem, met his father, and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum.
Priest Sisay explained that the annual Hidar Tsion celebration coincides with the day Menelik I arrived in Axum with the Ark of the Covenant.
Revival After War
The number of pilgrims attending the festival dwindled during the genocidal war on Tigray due to the violence and destruction inflicted on the region. However, since the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the festival has been regaining its prominence step by step.
Despite the renewed sense of peace, the scars of war remain. Residents recount the trauma of the Axum massacre on November 28–29, 2020, when Eritrean troops systematically killed hundreds of civilians.
The festival included a vigil on Thursday November 28 to honor the massacre victims, offering a moment of remembrance for families and survivors.
Amnesty International has described the massacre as a potential crime against humanity, stating that “Eritrean troops fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray state systematically killed hundreds of unarmed civilians in the northern city of Axum on 28-29 November 2020, opening fire in the streets and conducting house-to-house raids in a massacre that may amount to a crime against humanity”
“This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict. Besides the soaring death toll, Axum’s residents were plunged into days of collective trauma amid violence, mourning and mass burials.The mass killings came just before the annual celebration at Axum Tsion Mariam, a major Ethiopian Orthodox Christian festival on 30 November, compounding the trauma by casting a pall over an annual event that typically draws many pilgrims and tourists to the sacred city.”, Amnesty reported in February 2021.
Hope After Peace Agreement
Axum’s recovery has been marked by significant progress, including the reconstruction of the Yohannes IV Airport, which had been destroyed during the war. Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Axum in June this year, reconnecting the city with the rest of the world.
As peace gradually takes hold, residents and business owners express optimism. “Peace has returned, and we are ready to welcome pilgrims and tourists,” said a vendor selling crosses outside the Church of St. Mary of Zion. Hotels and guesthouses in the city have reported increased bookings ahead of the festival.
In addition to religious processions, the week leading up to the festival has been filled with community events, including bicycle, football, and volleyball competitions. Residents are excited to showcase their city’s resilience and cultural heritage to visitors.
Two years into the peace agreement, Axum stands ready to welcome pilgrims and tourists with renewed hope and determination, offering both spiritual enrichment and a reminder of the city’s profound historical, religious, and cultural significance.