Any body who flew to Atsbi Wenberta, he/she definitely get astonished by the number of dancing styles available on the wereda like Hura-Seleste (ሁራ ሰለስተ), Gumaye (ጉማዬ), Tegomtsets (ተጎምጸጽ), Tilhit (ትልሂት), etc. Among all here is the most exciting one and gained popularity in the neighboring woredas of Tigray and Afar regions, is Hura Seleste.
Hura-Seleste evolves from the history of the relation between Atsbians and Axumite kingdom, in which “Royal Axumite Troops” have had guarded their national fervour. It is a type of dancing with an intricate foot work in which the entitled youngsters or men can play on a circular pattern after single Hura song.
The culture and culinary of the woreda is heavily influenced by Enderta, Agame and Raya of the Tigrayans, and the Afars whereby it’s the interface of the four local cultures. Tihilo (ጥሕሎ), Gogo (ጎጎ), Kitcha bMear (ቅጫ ብመዓር), Siwa (ስዋ), and Mies (ሜስ) (Tejj Honey-wine) are the popular foods and drinks. The traditional dance of Hura Seleste is colorful especially during the Ethiopian Christmas. Youths of Atsbi Wenberta make a special thin, decorated with evenly roasted stick called the Birbir. They have songs related only to the Christmas. But, such culture is now declining because of youth migration and influence of other culture.
Atsbi Wemberta Culture and Tourism Office 