ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia is preparing for a new cultural celebration highlighting some of the country's distinctive traditional music, seasonal customs and heritage practices.

The Ashenda, Shadey and Solel Celebration is scheduled for September 11 in Addis Ababa as part of the Ethiopian New Year festivities. The programme will feature the traditional music ensemble Ethiocolor alongside Ethiopian artist Keni.

The event is expected to provide a platform for audiences to experience traditional cultural expressions while connecting them with contemporary Ethiopian music.

The celebration comes at an important time for cultural preservation, as Ethiopia continues to promote its diverse regional traditions and heritage to younger generations and international audiences.

Shadey and Ashenda are particularly associated with traditional celebrations involving music, dress, dance and community participation. Recent Shadey festivities in northern Ethiopia also highlighted efforts to preserve cultural values and maintain traditional practices.

Bringing these traditions into major public cultural programmes can help keep Ethiopia's diverse heritage visible and relevant.

The celebration also offers an opportunity for musicians and cultural performers to introduce traditional sounds and customs to wider audiences.

With the Ethiopian New Year approaching, Addis Ababa is becoming a major stage for cultural activities that combine heritage, music and modern artistic expression.

The upcoming celebration is expected to add another vibrant chapter to Ethiopia's annual New Year cultural season.