Addis Ababa, August 22, 2025 (POA) — Girls and young women across northern Ethiopia are marking the annual Ashenda festival—a vibrant cultural celebration that highlights femininity, tradition, and community spirit. Predominantly observed in the Tigray and Amhara regions, the festival coincides with the conclusion of Filseta, a two-week fasting period by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Celebrations typically last three to five days, particularly in urban areas, and involve meticulous preparation. Participants don intricately embroidered traditional cotton dresses, adorn themselves with jewelry, and style their hair in elaborate braids and designs. Central to the festival is “ashenda”, a tall green grass that girls weave into bunches and wear—sometimes as skirts or draped over their backs—symbolizing vitality, growth, and a connection to nature.
During the festival, girls form small groups to visit homes in their communities, performing songs and dances accompanied by hand drums. In return, families offer gifts such as money, food, or beverages, expressing gratitude for the performances while supporting the community.
While Ashenda is rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions honoring the Virgin Mary, it has grown into a wider cultural celebration of young women, resilience, and sisterhood. Its communal nature strengthens social bonds and reinforces shared cultural identity across generations.
The festival is known by different names across northern Ethiopia, reflecting regional customs and histories. In Tigray, it is called Ashenda; in Amhara’s Lasta and Gonder areas, it is Ashendeye; in Wag Himra and Sekota, it is Shadey; and in the Raya-Kobo region, it is recognized as Solel. Despite these variations, the festival’s central theme—honoring women—remains constant.
As one of Ethiopia’s distinctive cultural heritage celebrations, Ashenda also attracts domestic and international tourists eager to experience its colorful displays, traditional music, and enduring cultural significance.