# Ethiopia’s Virgin Mary festival in Tigray cancelled over drone strike fears

https://mins.news/en/item/28610

- BBC News, 2026-08-21 16:20 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c24me64n31qo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> A stadium gathering for Ashenda, a major festival celebrating women and the Virgin Mary, has been cancelled in Mekelle after recent drone strikes. Tigray officials cited ongoing attacks and the threat of renewed war; the latest strike reportedly injured 13 civilians and damaged homes.