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 September, is a colourful occasion, attracting scores of believers in dressed in robes. Meskel festival falls on the day after.
