This year’s Eritrean Festival revived the Pacific Northwest with its rich cultural performances, art, and forums that reconnected event goers with the issues relevant to the Eritrean communities nationwide.
The Festival, hosted by the Eritrean community in Seattle, was opened by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Eritrean Health Minister, Saleh Makee, who traveled from the mother country to participate in the joyous event. Many government, community and business leaders, as well as friends and supporters of the Eritrean Community, were honored guests at the opening night. After the opening ceremony, the program continued with traditional food, cultural and art show, and an address on current issues on Eritrea by Dr. Makee.
The Seattle Medical Team did a great job in organizing a slide presentation on AIDS in English by Ms Sharon Martin translated in Tigrigna by Dr. Nrayo Teclemichael. The session was well attended and generated many questions and comments. Many who attended found it very informative and said that they were able to separate the myth from the reality about AIDS.
The National Union of Eritrean Women in Seattle also sponsored a presentation by Ms Elsa Hailemariam, a member of the North America’s Central office in Washington, DC. Ms Hailemariam delivered a presentation on the role of women in Eritrean Society. Mothers and sisters were able to express their thoughts, ideas, challenges, and hopes in a rare gathering of Eritrean women of all ages from different states. Many reaffirmed their commitment to recruiting and encouraging young Eritrean women to take leadership in organizing, educating and empowering others. Since the atmosphere welcomed open dialogue, many appreciated the opportunity to learn as well as be heard.
Dr. Tesfa Gebremedhin, sponsored by the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, also conducted a lively presentation and discussion on parent and youth relationships speaking mostly to the attending Eritrean youth. Through a strong and rather humorous approach, Dr. Tesfa challenged participants to put what was presented and discussed into practice.
Many local and out-of-state Vendors also participated adding an entrepreneurial and professional spirit to the festivities.
The highlight of the festival, however, was the outstanding cultural performance by the Eritrean Youth Dance Group of Seattle under the leadership and instruction of Senait Ogbe Habte. For three consecutive nights, the group shined with new performances that paid tribute to the diverse looks and moves of Eritrea. Few others also joined in and enriched the pre-party performances. Women and men participated in the Saturday Tehambele parade with all the traditional musical instruments and costumes, representing all the different Eritrean nationalities.
Each night, for 3 days, leading Eritrean musicians played their music and sang the songs that filled the arena, as well as the hearts of young and old alike as they danced in the traditional unity circle. It was amazing to see people, even those who complain of consistent back or knee pains, moving with joy and no sign of pain for three consecutive nights. While being entertained with music and cultural performances, people were also re-connecting, bonding and/or making new friends. It was truly a healing opportunity.
On behalf of the Festival’s organizing committee, many thanks is given to Dr. Saleh Makee-Eritrean Health Minister, Mr. Futsum Yohannes and Ms Rahwa Tesfai from Embassy of Eritrea in DC, Ms Elsa Hailemariam from the National Union of Eritrean Women DC central office, Dr. Tesfa Gebremedhin from West Virginia University, and all who participated and helped make the 2006 Western States Festival in Seattle a success.
Lette Hadgu