Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in Africa;[1] the emergence of Ethiopian civilization dates back thousands of years. Abyssinia or rather "Ze Etiyopia" was ruled by the Semitic Abyssinians (Habesha) composed mainly of the Amhara, Tigrayans and the Cushitic Agaw. In the Eastern escarpment of the Ethiopian highlands and more so the lowlands was the home of the Harari/Harla that founded Sultanates such as Ifat and Adal and the Afars. In the central and south were found the ancient Sidama and Semitic Gurage, among others.

Tigray is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Sudan to the west, the Amhara Region to the south and the Afar Region to the east and southeast. Towns in Tigray include: Mekelle, Adigrat, Axum, Shire, Humera, Adwa, Addi Remets, Alamata, Wukro, Maychew, Sheraro, Abiy Addi, Korem, Qwiha, Atsbi, Hawzen, Mekoni, Dansha, Adi Gudom, Sheraro, Indabaguna, Mai Tsebri, and Zalambessa.

cultural

Ashenda (Amharic: አሸንዳ) is a national festival celebrated by Tigrayian girls. Although Ashenda is celebrated primarily by teenage girls, females of all age group get to participate in this national festival, during this festival men are expected to be on their best behavior.

Prior to the celebration, groups of girls make preparations for the holiday by buying new clothes, visiting hairdressers, preparing drums and harvesting the distinctive 'Ashenda' grass (which will be tied around their waist for the celebration).