Ethiopia’s annual Virgin Mary festival has been cancelled in Mekelle, the main city of the Tigray region, after authorities feared a possible drone attack during the festivities.
The festival, known locally as Ashenda, traditionally draws thousands of young women in bright white dress and silver cross necklaces to celebrate the Virgin Mary and women’s cultural role.
Earlier this week a drone strike hit Mekelle, injuring 13 civilians and damaging several homes. Reports also noted strikes near Dandera, 15km from Mekelle, killing one and injuring another, and an earlier attack in Raya‑Alamata district that claimed three lives.
In response, Dori Asgedom, head of Tigray’s culture and tourism bureau, announced the cancellation of the Saturday stadium gathering. He said it would not go ahead because of "ongoing drone strikes and the threat of war" and called the attack "an act that history will not forgive and should be condemned."
The regional administration called on the international community to break its silence and take urgent diplomatic action to prevent further escalation, while the federal armed forces denied responsibility for the strikes.
"The drone attack on innocent citizens in Mekelle city is an act that history will not forgive and should be condemned," Asgedom stated.
The cancellation highlights growing fears that a post‑war conflict might reignite. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front removed the interim administration set up under the 2022 peace deal and reinstated its pre‑war council, leading to mutual accusations that neither side implemented the agreement.
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