Conference assessing national festivals opens here in the capital

A conference assessing national festivals opened today in Asmara in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, regional Administrators, Army Commanders, Association heads and a number of artists as well as interested nationals.

Asmara, 6 June 2013 – A conference assessing national festivals opened today in Asmara in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, regional Administrators, Army Commanders, Association heads and a number of artists as well as interested nationals.

In opening remarks, President Isaias pointed out that Eritrean festivals have been witnessing unique characteristic features since the armed struggle for independence through the entire nation-building process, and that its significant role thereof attests to this. He went on to describe national festivals as groundwork for depicting and popularizing societal harmony, national resources, progress of various sectors, as well as national and cultural values, besides the steadfastness of the Eritrean people and their leadership.

The President further expressed appreciation for the cumulative dynamic contribution of artists to this end, and said that the conference is expected to make significant impact in crystallizing ideas as regards ways and means of fostering the capacity of organizing future festivals.

Mr. Solomon Tsehaye, chairman of the conference’s coordinating committee, disclosed that the conference is being conducted on the basis of an initiative taken 3 years ago targeting assessment of national festivals over the past 40 years and thus preparing for the necessary changes for better outcome.

Reports indicated that various research papers have so far been presented focusing on the role of national festivals in the nation-building process and tourism, as well as the armed struggle for independence, among others, and the participants conducted in-depth discussion on the basis of them.

The conference would continue until tomorrow.