Eritrea - Ministry of Information

Sunday September 1, 2013 is the 52nd anniversary since the Eritrean struggle for independence began. When the peaceful political struggle for self determination of the people of Eritrea from 1940s and 50s fell on deaf ears, September 1, 1961 was the day that opened a significant historical chapter of an armed struggle for self determination.

Following the official opening of the Eritrean National Festival in the morning hours of August 17, 2013, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims swarmed the city of Dekemhare to enjoy a magnificent holiday season with the cultural and artistic presentations showcased to highlight the event.

This season of the year is the time where students complete their academic and vocational studies; it is also a time where teachers and parents reap the outcome of their long investment which culminates with the graduation of their students.

A conference assessing national festivals under the theme, “Our festivals: bridges across heritages”, has been conducted from the 6th to the 7th of June 2013. The conference was initiated with a goal to assess past experiences and fostering the capacity of organizing future festivals.