Ethiopia: Tigrayan women celebrate Ashenda amid fears of new war

Donning colourful festive dresses with their hair braided, young Tigrinya girls sang and danced in Addis Ababa to celebrate Ashenda, a holiday marking the end of a 15-day fast known as Filseta.

This year’s holiday comes as fears of a new conflict in the region grow.

“When it comes to my families — it’s at hands of the God, I Pray he makes it peaceful, but the situation is not good. Our people are living in sadness and in a bad situation. It is not good,” said Tiras Gebregziabher, a hair stylist.

Federal and Tigrayan forces have massed on either side of the northern state’s border in recent months, with minor skirmishes reported in some areas.

Due to the tensions, many could not travel back home for the holiday.

“Because of the current condition, everyone is eager to celebrate it back home [Tigray]. However, it wasn’t convenient for us because of work and the current situation. I was planning to go there to celebrate it, but God willing, I will celebrate there next year,” said Muluberhan Argawi, a resident of Addis Ababa.

In the Tigrinya language, Ashenda is a type of tall green grass found on river banks in the region. As part of the festivities, women wear skirts made of the weaved Ashenda grass over white cotton dresses with colourful embroidery.

Originally a Christian festival marking the end of a 15-day fast commemorating the Assumption of Mary, Ashenda has evolved into a celebration that transcends religion.

Its roots lie in Tigray but it is also celebrated in the neighbouring Amhara region and in Eritrea.