Addis ababa: Ethiopian girls in the northern part of the country are engaging in the annual Ashenda festival, a celebration that underscores the pivotal role of young women and girls. The festival is primarily observed in the Tigray and Amhara regions.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Ashenda festival occurs in August, marking the end of the two-week fasting period known as Filseta, which is observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to honor the Virgin Mary. The festivities, lasting three to five days in urban areas, involve extensive preparation by girls and young women, who don traditional embroidered cotton dresses, intricate hairstyles, and an array of jewelry.
The name ‘Ashenda’ is derived from a tall green grass that symbolizes vitality and growth. Girls weave this grass into decorative accessories, wearing it as skirts or on their backs. The festival involves small groups of girls visiting homes in their communities, singing and dancing to traditional rhythms, often accompanied by hand drums. In return for their performances, families offer gifts such as money, food, or beverages as a token of appreciation.
Ashenda holds significant cultural and religious value, rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions honoring the Virgin Mary. It has evolved into a cultural celebration of femininity, resilience, and community, fostering a sense of sisterhood and communal identity. While the festival’s core traditions remain consistent, it is known by different names across regions: ‘Ashenda’ in Tigray, ‘Ashendeye’ in parts of Amhara, ‘Shadey’ in Wag Himra and Sekota, and ‘Solel’ in Raya-Kobo.
This cultural event, recognized as one of Ethiopia’s unique World Heritage sites, attracts numerous tourists eager to experience its rich cultural heritage.