Ashendye is a traditional and religious festival celebrated every August in the Amhara and Tigray regions of Ethiopia. The festival marks the end of the two-week fasting period known as Filseta, observed by followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The name “Ashendye” has different meanings among Ethiopia’s communities. In Amharic and Tigrigna, it is also used to describe a vertical channel that carries rainwater from the roof of a building to the ground. Among the Khimra community of the Agew people, however, Ashendye refers to tall green grass, usually around 80–90 centimeters in height, which young girls traditionally wear around their waists during the celebration.

During the festival, homes and shops are decorated with fresh green grass spread across the floors as a symbol of welcome, freshness, and celebration. Young girls dress in traditional clothing, decorate themselves with flowers and jewelry, and gather together to sing, dance, and celebrate with their communities.

The festival is known by different names in various parts of northern Ethiopia. In the Enderta area of Tigray, it is historically celebrated as Ashendye and takes place from August 16–21 according to the Ethiopian calendar. Beyond its religious significance, Ashendye represents youth, beauty, cultural identity, and the continuation of ancient Ethiopian traditions.