Musician Wushinfir Argaw made a guest appearance on the popular Seifu Show, marking a transition from the world of singing. Wushinfir Argaw, known for their musical talent, has now explored a different avenue.
The Habesha dress, a cherished and traditional garment deeply rooted in the cultures of Ethiopia and Eritrea, has been an enduring choice of attire for generations. This handmade fabric, crafted from cotton, holds a significant place in the hearts of the people, often worn during special celebrations and festive occasions. The Ethiopian New Year festivities, which are approaching, present an opportune time for acquiring Habesha dresses. These traditional dresses have also found a global market, with platforms like Etsy offering international access to purchase them. Interestingly, the religious festival of Timket sees a higher demand for Habesha dresses compared to the Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash.
Shiro Meda has historically been a prime destination for purchasing Habesha dresses, although nowadays, these charming garments can be found in various shops across Addis Ababa. The intricate process of creating a Habesha dress involves the transformation of cotton into threads by skilled artisans known as Dewari. These threads are then expertly woven by craftsmen in a traditional manner. The resulting fabric is meticulously sewn by hand, adorned with an array of vibrant and eye-catching patterns, referred to as Tibeb. Crafting a single Habesha dress typically requires around 20 to 25 days, contingent on the complexity of the design and the dedication of the craftsmen involved.
The appeal of Habesha dresses lies not only in their handmade nature but also in the high-quality cotton fabric used in their construction. Varieties such as saba, fetal, menen, and weld eyes showcase the diverse options available to enthusiasts.
Holidays and weddings emerge as optimal occasions for procuring Habesha dresses, while sellers note that the Ethiopian New Year tends to be a less bustling period. However, during events like Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany), Christmas, and Easter, the demand for these traditional garments surges, attracting a larger customer base.