Tigray kicks off month long Ashenda festival to promote Culture and Peace
Today Tigray’s cultural and tourism bureau kicked off a month long Ashenda festival in Mekelle under the theme “Ashenda for peace, unity and hope for Tigray.”
The tourism bureau said over the next one month, a series of events, trainings, panel discussions and other activities will be held to celebrate and promote Tigray’s culture, while also advancing messages of peace, unity and hope.
Officially opening the starting of the one month long event, the President of Tigray’s Interim Administration, Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, called on the Tigrayan diaspora, foreign ambassadors and tourists, to take part in the colorful and vibrant festival.
He also announced “We have officially requested the Ethiopian Prime Minister to help facilitate the participation of federal officials, regional authorities and partners,”
Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede also called on Ethiopians across the country to attend the vibrant festival, affirming the administration’s commitment to providing a safe and peaceful environment throughout the celebration.
Atsebha Gebregzeeabher (PhD), head of Tigray’s cultural and tourism bureau said the festival is being held in a critical situation where Tigray is facing a serious challenges, adding the festival will be celebrated in a way that will promote culture, peace, unity and hope for Tigray.
Speaking at the event, Tigray’s peace and security bureau said the office have made enough preparations to ensure the festival will be peaceful and safe for all attendees.
Brigadier General Teklay Kidane from Tigray’s peace and Security bureau, said there is no security threat of peace and security that will not allow to celebrate the festival.
Ashenda, deeply rooted in Tigrayan tradition, is a colorful annual celebration by young girls and women that blends song, dance, and ornate dress. Originally an Orthodox Christian festival marking the end of a two weeks of fasting commemorating the Assumption of Mary, the festival has evolved into a broader cultural celebration of freedom and community.
At the event it was said work is underway toward having Ashenda recognized as part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
The launch event today, held at Mekelle’s Axum Hotel, was attended by senior officials of the Interim Administration, political party representatives, civil society members, and invited guests.