The month of Nehase (ነሐሴ), roughly August 7 to September 5, is known for its heavy rains and is a prelude to the Ethiopian New Year on September 11 and the blossoming fields of Meskal flowers.
It is also the season of Ashenda (ኣሸንዳ), the annual celebration of women and girls in Tigray, in northern Ethiopia. Ashenda is a joyful expression of culture, community and tradition — a celebration of freedom, joy and, quite simply, girls being girls.
Women and girls wear beautiful dresses, style their hair in intricate braids, apply traditional makeup including kohl, and follow beauty and dress traditions passed from one generation to the next — from mothers to daughters, older sisters to younger sisters, and aunties to nieces.
Boys and men have a supporting role in the celebration, but during Ashenda, the spotlight belongs to the women and girls.
A Tradition Passed from Generation to Generation
Ashenda traditionally follows Filseta, the Fast of the Assumption of St. Mary, and celebrations take place across Tigray during August. Tigrayan communities throughout the diaspora also celebrate Ashenda, choosing dates that allow their communities to gather.
Here in Colorado, the celebration has become a Labor Day tradition.
This year, the Denver–Axum Committee of Denver Sister Cities International joins the Tigrai Community of Colorado in celebrating Ashenda on September 7 at City of Axum Park in Denver.
In preparation for Ashenda, girls, often guided by their mothers or older sisters, select a beautiful tilfi dress, frequently decorated with intricate embroidery, along with a mekenet, or sash tied at the waist.
Jewelry and adornment are part of the preparation as well. A girl may select a necklace called gobagub, earrings and kohl for her face. Her hair may be braided in intricate Kunano styles, with a Weleba hairband placed across her forehead and hair.
Finally, Ashenda grass — the plant that gives the celebration its name — is gathered and fashioned into a distinctive grass skirt or apron worn during the festivities.
The Music of Ashenda
During Ashenda, girls form small groups and practice singing, dancing and drumming. Members take on different roles: the Haleka serves as the group leader, the Menguhit as lead singer, while another girl carries and plays the kebero, a traditional drum.
Then the Ashenda girls take to the streets.
Moving joyfully from house to house and through their communities, they sing songs of praise, thanksgiving and celebration. Homeowners and passersby may offer himbasha bread or small gifts in appreciation of their performances.
And then the girls are off again — singing, dancing and serenading the next willing participant with the exuberance that defines Ashenda.
In larger communities, festivities may include performances and recognition for traditional dress, music or dance. Girls from rural areas may travel to larger communities such as Axum, Mekelle or Adigrat to join the celebrations.
For those celebrating far from Tigray, Ashenda carries another meaning as well.
It is a connection to home.
Families and communities separated by thousands of miles come together to sing the same songs, prepare the same clothing, share familiar foods and pass traditions from parents and grandparents to children who may be experiencing Ashenda in a very different part of the world.
Ashenda in Denver
That is part of what makes Denver’s celebration so special.
Denver and Axum have shared a Sister City relationship since 1995, creating opportunities for people in our communities to build connections through culture, education, humanitarian initiatives and citizen diplomacy.
Ashenda gives all of us an opportunity to experience that relationship personally.
You do not need to be Tigrayan to attend. You do not need to know anything about Ashenda before you arrive.
Come curious.
Come experience the traditional clothing, music, dancing and food. Bring your family. Meet members of Colorado’s Tigrayan community. Learn something about Tigray and Denver’s Sister City of Axum.
Most importantly, come celebrate alongside the girls and women at the heart of this joyful tradition.
Join Us for Ashenda 2026
Monday, September 7, 20264:00–8:00 p.m.City of Axum Park, Denver – Admission is free
Traditional food will be available for purchase.
Ashenda is colorful, celebratory and family-friendly — and whether this is a tradition your family has celebrated for generations or your very first Ashenda, you are warmly invited to join us.
Come celebrate the girls and women of Tigray — and experience one of Denver’s remarkable international traditions right here at home.
🌸 Want to be part of Ashenda from the inside?
We’re looking for a small number of volunteers to help with food preparation and service. No previous experience with Ashenda or Denver Sister Cities is necessary. [Volunteer at Ashenda]
❤️ Can’t volunteer? You can still help.
A contribution to the Denver–Axum Sister City Fund helps support cultural programs such as Ashenda and the ongoing work that strengthens the relationship between Denver and Axum. [Support the Axum Fund]
