Addis Ababa ( AMECO) – The annual Shadey festival, a vibrant traditional celebration led by girls and young women across northern Ethiopia, has drawn to a successful close in the town of Soqota and throughout the wider Wag Hemra zone.
Organised under the theme “Celebrating Shadey, preserving our values”, the cultural festival ran from 16 to 21 Nehase 2018 in the Ethiopian calendar [22–27 August 2026]. Following the conclusion of the women-led festivities, the Wag Hemra Zone Culture, Tourism and Sport Department announced that Lewfere Lewfe, a traditional festival performed by young men, is scheduled to commence on 1 Meskerem 2019 E.C. [11 September 2026], coinciding with the Ethiopian New Year.
Yirga Marye, head of the zonal culture, tourism and sport department, stated that the Shadey celebrations were conducted colourfully at both zonal and district levels while maintaining their core cultural heritage. He commended the Amhara Media Corporation (AMECO) for its role in broadcasting and promoting the festival globally across multiple languages.
Addressing the security and public order surrounding the gathering, Commander Ambelu Tilahun, head of the Zonal Police Department, expressed gratitude to the participating girls, local youth, the wider community, and security personnel. He noted that effective coordination between the public and security structures ensured the multi-day event concluded peacefully and successfully.
