The Ashenda Festival is a vibrant annual cultural event celebrated mainly in northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray and Amhara regions. It is a special occasion for girls and young women, who dress in traditional ‘tilfi’ outfits—cotton garments beautifully embroidered from the neckline to the hem. They style their hair in age-old braided patterns and adorn themselves with jewelry and Ashenda grass.
Held between August and September, the festival’s duration ranges from three days to a full month, depending on the location—typically longer in rural areas and shorter in towns. During this time, it is customary for community members to offer gifts such as money, food, or drinks to the celebrants.
Each day is filled with singing, dancing, and joyful visits. The festival culminates with a grand gathering, where the girls and women come together to drum, dance, sing, and celebrate in unity.
