Ethiopians are celebrating the annual Meskel festival, the first big festival of the Ethiopian religious year.
According to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition, the national holiday marks the finding of the cross that Jesus was crucified on.
Thousands celebrated the eve of the festival, known as Demera, by gathering in Meskel Square in the heart of the capital city, Addis Ababa.

Demera, which falls on 26/27 September, is a colourful occasion, attracting scores of believers in dressed in robes.
They are joined by hundreds of priests and deacons from churches around the city, who bring drums and ornate crosses used in religious ceremonies.