23/08/2025
Ashendeye Festival
“Ashendeye,” known by different local names in diiferent parts of Northern Ethiopia such as Ashendeye (Lasta-Lalibela), Ashenda (Tigray), Shadey (Wag- Sekota), and Solel (Raya), is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated by young girls. It takes place immediately after a 15-day fasting period, known as Filseta, observed by Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christians in honor of our Lady, Virgin Mary.
This annual festival holds deep religious and cultural significance while also serving as a joyful social event that allows young girls to shine and express themselves.
Dressed in bright, traditional attire, they gather in groups to sing, dance, and parade through towns and villages. Over the course of three days, they visit homes, marketplaces, and public spaces, receiving gifts and blessings from community members along the way.
On the main holiday, the celebrations begin with church services, where the girls circle the church three times while singing hymns of gratitude to God. The day then continues with lively music, dancing, and festivities that highlight both spiritual devotion and cultural pride.
