01 · MEANING
What it means.
Celebrated principally in Tigray and Amhara under names including Ashenda, Ashendye, Shadey and Solel, the festival is linked with the end of the Filseta fast and has its own strong social and cultural life.
02 · TRADITION
How it is marked.
Girls and women dress in embroidered white clothing, braid and decorate their hair, form singing groups and move through streets and neighbourhoods. Drums, dance and gifts accompany the performances.
03 · EXPERIENCE
What you may see.
The festival can last several days and varies by community. The most important thing to notice is who leads it: young women take the public space, songs and choreography into their own hands.