ADDIS ABABA – The tourism sector should be prioritized cultural values as they are bases for peace, love, democracy and development for the country, says Minister of Culture and Tourism.
While addressing the celebration of annual girls outdoor festivals Ashendye at Lasta Lalibela, the Minister Hirut Kasaw (PhD) said apart from strengthening social interaction, festivals like Ashenda, Shadeye, Ashendye, Solel helps to develop economic development of the country.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald Glurisha Fecho, Swedish tourist at Addis Ababa said that raising girls to the square is equally important with men will help to build self-confidence among them.
“What I have observed here in some part of Addis and live programs televised by different local Ethiopian TV channels, the dance and celebrity of girls was so fantastic. I am happy to be a witness to the colourfulness of the festival. And UNESCO is also responsible to conserve this cultural festival of Ethiopian girls through registering underworld intangible heritage,” she avowed.
Ashenda, Shadeye, Ashendye, Solel festival is one of the magnificent festivals in Ethiopia which especially encourages girls in building their confidence. The founding of such festivals during the Dark Age is ‘like a cold spring found in a desert’ where men have dominated the squares, the premier explained on his message to the festival.
Following this, Abebe Fenta, the sociologist said that the festival is highly significant to promote women apart from increasing social interaction across the country.
According to him, the festival represents not only the two regions but the whole country. Therefore, religious institutions, universities, and other stakeholders should work in collaboration with the government on the process of convincing UNESCO to register the festival under the list of world intangible heritage, Abebe noted.
Apart from this, Addis Ababa City Administration is also celebrating the festival this weekend citywide.
The Ethiopian Herald August 24/2019
BY HIZKEL HAILU
