Border tension in Amhara and Oromia
Fantahun Seifu, born on February 20, 1948, is a celebrated Ethiopian boxer who made his mark in the field of sports. He notably competed in the men’s featherweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics. During this significant event, held in 1968, Fantahun Seifu engaged in a match against Teogenes Pelegrino from the Philippines, a contest that concluded with a victory for Pelegrino.
Ashenda stands as a distinctive religious and cultural festival observed annually in the Tigray and Amhara Regional States, spanning from August 16 to 21. The term “Ashenda” originates from Tigrinya, denoting the lush, tall green grass that reaches an impressive height of approximately 80 to 90 centimeters. In the rich tapestry of this traditional celebration, blades of this grass are scattered on floors in homes and shops, serving as a unique form of welcome.
Ashenda holds special significance as it concludes a two-week fasting period known as Filseta, during which devotees of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church congregate to pay homage to the Virgin Mary.
During the Ashenda occasion, also referred to as Shaday or Ahendiye in the Amhara regional state, young women and girls don their finest traditional attire, known as “tilfi.” This ensemble comprises a cotton dress adorned with exquisite embroidery extending from the neckline down to the hem of the dress. To enhance their appearance, the girls bedeck themselves with an array of splendid jewelry.
