Since 2005 I am assisting to Madeiro ceremony in Proenca a Velha, in Portugal. This year I am not able to participate in Madeiro, but I have very similar tradition in Ethiopia, with people gathering together next to giant bonfires - Meskel. Curious thing about Meskel is that it is linked to christian tradition and it lasts over 1700 years in Ethiopia, with no breaks, while Madeiro, today linked to Xmas tradition has its roots in pre-christian pagan believes. Different cultures, thousands kilometers, same concepts, very intriguing are the cultural intersections...
