Addis Ababa (AMECO) – Preparations are under way in Sekota town for the annual Shadey festival, a major cultural celebration for young women in northern Ethiopia, which will take place from 22 to 27 August under the theme “We celebrate Shadey; we protect our values.”
Local officials and residents in the Wag Hemra administrative zone are positioning this year’s festival not only as a essential expression of cultural identity and community unity, but also as a key driver for regional tourism and commerce.
Participants in Abergele district are already conducting dance rehearsals ahead of the week-long event. Performers Meseret Berhanu and Kiros Mulugeta emphasised that Shadey extends far beyond traditional dance, serving as an intrinsic symbol of their local heritage and self-expression. Meanwhile, Melesu Amde, who has taken part in the festivities since childhood, described Shadey as a day of “unity and freedom” that communities celebrate proudly without fear, regardless of circumstances.
Kelemework Asmare, head of the Abergele District Culture, Tourism and Sport Office, confirmed that preparations were fully under way, highlighting the festival as a vital platform for peace and social harmony.
To leverage the economic potential of the event, local authorities plan to integrate commercial trade bazaars directly alongside the traditional festivities. Yirga Marye, head of the Wag Hemra Zone Culture, Tourism and Sport Department, stated that structured efforts were being made to establish Shadey as a primary tourist destination. Beyond the main gatherings in Sekota, coordinated celebrations are also being organised in the regional capital, Bahir Dar, as well as in Addis Ababa and other major urban centres.
