Deputy PM Demeke arrives in historical town of Lalibela to attend Ashendye Festival

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2022 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen has arrived in the historical town of Lalibela to attend the Ashendye Festival, a colorful carnival uniquely observed in the area and surroundings.

According to the town’s Communication Office, the President of the Amhara Regional State, Yilkal Kefale and other high level federal and regional officials also gathered in the town to take part in the festival.

North Wollo Zone Chief Administrator, Deacon Tesfaw Batabl and other local officials received the high officials upon their arrival at Lalibela Airport.

Ashendye is mostly a girls’ carnival celebrated in northern parts of Ethiopia mostly from August 16 to 16 involving various tadional performances incuding songs and dances and thanks giving to elders.

Ashendye festival is named after a long “Ashenda ” grass which girls tie to hang down from their waists in a fashionable pattern. The Ashenda grass has come to symbolize the religious festival, as dancing girls move their waists causing the leaves to shake in an eye-catching manner.