Overview
A unique colorful ceremony and one of the greatest festival in Northern Ethiopia . Ashenda is a girls and young women’s festival celebrated in northern Ethiopia among Orthodox Christianity followers. It is typically celebrated between 16-26 August every year. Its length varies from three days to one month depending on the locale. The holiday is mainly celebrated by Tigrayans.
The word Ashenda stands for the “tall green grass” which in the minimum has a 80-90 centimeter height. Making a miniskirt type of dress, girl, in the north, tie it around their waists while marking a special holiday – Ashenda – that derived its name from the grass .
Gathering in groups and going out into streets,they stage different traditional dances chanting heart titillating songs beating a special drum with their hands. As they go out at their best they lure the opposite sex, with peeled eyes who are alert to choose their best. In most cases the girls win suitors.
Ashenda Festival in Mekele
- The Ashenda Festival is an annual cultural celebration associated with northern Ethiopia especially the Tigray and Amhara regional states.
