Ethiopia Cancels Ashenda Festival in Tigray Amid Drone Attack Concerns

Ethiopia has cancelled the Ashenda festival, a significant cultural and religious event in the Tigray region, citing security concerns over recent drone attacks and the threat of renewed conflict.

The three-day Ashenda festival, which honors women and the Virgin Mary, was to conclude with a large gathering at a stadium in Mekelle on Saturday. Traditionally, young women participate by dressing in traditional attire, braiding their hair, and engaging in dances celebrating womanhood.

Named after the Tigrinya term for "tall green grass," Ashenda has grown into a broader cultural celebration across northern Ethiopia. It coincides with Orthodox Christian commemorations of the Virgin Mary.

Security Concerns Trigger Cancellation

The cancellation follows a series of drone strikes in Tigray, including one on Mekelle that injured 13 civilians and damaged homes, according to the region's communications bureau. Additional strikes near Dandera and in Raya-Alamata district resulted in multiple casualties.

Dori Asgedom, head of Tigray's Culture and Tourism Bureau, confirmed the stadium event would not proceed due to the ongoing drone strikes and the looming threat of war.

Context of Conflict

The decision comes less than four years after a brutal two-year civil war in Tigray ended with a peace agreement in 2022. However, rising tensions and recent attacks have raised fears of a resurgence in hostilities.

Tigray authorities have accused federal forces of conducting the drone strikes, though the Ethiopian government has not publicly responded to these claims. Meanwhile, the regional administration has appealed to the international community to condemn the attacks and push for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.