Ethiopia's Virgin Mary festival in Tigray cancelled over drone strike fears

The Ashenda festival, whose name translates to "the tall green grass" in Tigrinya, commemorates the Virgin Mary and has evolved into a broader celebration of women. Young women typically dress in special attire, style their hair, and engage in dancing and outdoor activities, which are often restricted at other times of the year.

On Thursday, a drone strike hit Mekelle, injuring 13 civilians and damaging homes, according to Tigray's communications affairs bureau. Announcing the cancellation of the stadium gathering, Dori Asgedom, head of Tigray's culture and tourism bureau, cited "ongoing drone strikes and the threat of war." He condemned the attack on civilians as unforgivable.

The Tigray regional administration urged the international community to break its silence, condemn the incident, and take diplomatic action to prevent further escalation. Political tensions have resurfaced this year, raising concerns about the potential resumption of conflict, particularly after the TPLF removed the interim administration established under the peace deal and reinstated its pre-war council. Both sides have accused each other of failing to implement the peace agreement.