A major Virgin Mary religious festival in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has reportedly been cancelled because of fears of drone attacks, raising concerns among worshippers and local communities as tensions in the region continue to grow.

The cancellation reflects the impact of renewed security concerns on religious gatherings and cultural traditions. For many residents, the festival represents an important occasion for faith, community and shared heritage.

Ashenda Festival Cancelled Over Security Fears

The Ashenda festival, a three-day celebration associated with the Virgin Mary and women’s cultural traditions, was scheduled to culminate in a large gathering at a stadium in Mekelle. The event was cancelled after regional officials cited ongoing drone strikes and the threat of renewed war.

The festival is particularly significant for girls and young women in Tigray. Participants traditionally wear elaborate clothing, braid their hair and gather to dance and celebrate together.

The cancellation followed reports of recent drone strikes in and around Mekelle. Regional authorities said an attack on Thursday injured 13 civilians and damaged homes, while other reported strikes in August caused additional deaths and injuries.

Fears of Renewed Conflict in Tigray

Tigray continues to recover from the two-year war that ended with a peace agreement in 2022. However, political tensions between the regional authorities and Ethiopia’s federal government have raised concerns about a possible return to fighting.

The Tigray administration has called for international action to prevent further escalation and has blamed federal forces for recent attacks. The Ethiopian government had not responded to the BBC’s request for comment on the allegations at the time of reporting.

The cancellation of Ashenda illustrates how renewed insecurity can disrupt religious traditions, cultural celebrations and everyday life. For communities in Tigray, the threat of violence has once again affected public gatherings that hold deep social and cultural significance.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c24me64n31qo