Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — The Amhara Region is gearing up for the Shadey, Ashendye and Solel festivals, with preparations underway to celebrate the region’s rich cultural traditions, strengthen community ties and promote domestic tourism.
Held annually during the rainy season in different parts of the region, the festivals are deeply rooted in local traditions and are recognized for promoting social cohesion, cultural values and the vitality of women.
They also provide communities with opportunities to pass traditions from one generation to the next and strengthen people-to-people connections.
Deputy Head of the Amhara Culture, Tourism and Sport Bureau Ayele Anawte said tourism-promotion activities are being strengthened to sustainably increase visitor arrivals to the region. He said efforts are underway to organize and expand “Know Your Country” clubs involving students, civil servants, associations and other groups as part of broader tourism-promotion measures.
Ayele said preparations are also underway to attract more than 21 million tourists to destinations across the country during the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year, including natural and historical attractions.
Committees have been established at various levels to coordinate preparations for Shadey, Ashendye and Solel as well as other seasonal festivals, including Engicha Nekela, Kese Acheda and Buhe, according to a report from local news agency ENA.
The celebrations will take place in Wollo, Wag Hemra, Gojjam, Debre Tabor and other areas, with preparations also underway in Bahir Dar and other towns across the Amhara Region.