*Toronto Eritrean Festival is Expression of Resilience and Victory *
Amanuel Biedemariam
The spirit and the essence of the Eritrean Festivals that takes place in
Eritrea and around the world during the summer months is deeply rooted on
the history of the struggle for liberation and Bologna Italy where it all
started. On July 4, 1974, thousands of Eritreans from Europe, Middle East
and North America gathered in Bologna for the first time. Since, Eritreans
have gathered for the festival in Bologna until 1991 and after independence
in Eritrea and around the world every year with zest and unparalleled
patriotism.
Initially Diaspora Eritrea flocked to Bologna to reunite with friends,
family and comrades; for updates on developments of the struggle; to learn
about the revolutionary struggle, for intellectual discussions and exchange
of ideas. Above all, it was love of country and to give Eritrean fighters
support in a fun-filled patriotic environment. These were and remain
historic events that Eritreans reflect upon frequently.
For the Eritrean People’s Revolutionary Front (EPLF), the purpose was
farsighted-calculated effort designed to ensure public participation
because from the beginning the EPLF recognized without full participation
of the Eritrean people the liberation struggle could not succeed. And with
the core belief that the “masses must be aware/educated, organized and
armed,” the EPLF educated, organized and armed Eritreans all over.
The EPLF also recognized the important role Eritreans in the Diaspora can
play as extension of the struggle, and to ensure their full participation
no detail was left to chance. High level EPLF representatives were sent to
update; musicians and artists that reflect Eritrea’s cultures and customs
were sent to entertain and educate. The EPLF addressed all issues of
national import indiscriminately and ascertained equal representation of
all Eritreans irrespective of their backgrounds, religion or ethnic regions
in a consistent fashion because the enemies of Eritrea aimed to divide
Eritrea along ethnic, religious, class and regional faultiness. EPLF’s
steady, unwavering, consistent and predictable approach of dealing with
social, political, economic and defense related national matters was the
antidote and as a result trust and strong bond between the EPLF and the
people was able to flourish.
Since, for over 40 years, the annual Eritrean festivals have become an
integral part of the nation’s life celebrated by Eritreans and friends
around the globe. And as time went-by the implications and spin-off
benefits are becoming far more important to the lives of Eritreans
everywhere. This was evident during the 2015 Annual Eritrean Festival in
Toronto Canada held August 1-3.
The Toronto Eritrean Festival is a beautiful representation of the spirit
of Bologna Eritrean Festival. For three consecutive Canadian
holiday-weekend days, Eritreans erect their tents, camp on the
festival-grounds and enjoy the festivities as one.
The festival is full of activities that meet the needs of all age-groups
with all the participants taking some part. The mothers and fathers drink
traditional coffee and entertain all day under the shades of trees near
their tents and occasionally move around to visit friends and shop. The
rest enjoy sports, cultural activities and traditional dances.
It is fun-filled weekend that gives Eritreans chance to accomplish many
things while they are coming together. It is also an opportunity for
Eritrean businesses to promote, sell their products and services. Realtors,
financial and related services are colorfully advertised while robust
shopping activities take place on a vast area where tents are set up for
merchants to sell vast array of goods. It is a shopping bonanza full of
traditional outfits, cooking products, arts, crafts, T-shirts, spices, CD,
DVD, ladies bags and the like. These are tangible visible benefits for
Eritreans in Eastern Canada and environs where many come to enjoy the long
weekend.
However, the most impressive aspect of the festivities had to do with how
the Eritrean community in Toronto manages to organize events that reflect
the needs of all, particularly the youth that take part enthusiastically in
a manner unseen anywhere. The activities the youth engage-in are soccer,
the traditional national dances, and the excitement surrounding these
events is palpable.
Moreover, in light of the fact that raising Eritrean children close to
their community is of utmost importance, and in light of the fact that the
youth are key-target-age-group of the anti-Eritrea elements that try to
splinter Eritrean communities; engaging youth in meaningful activities goes
a long way in bringing-up healthy community with a bright future. The
organizers set up various tournaments based on different age groupings that
represent all age groups. The competition is fierce and the talent levels
reflect their experiences, which is impressive.
However, what makes the tournaments even more impressive is how Toronto
Eritreans managed to become a vital part of Toronto’s local community. The
tournaments are magnet to Somali’s, Ethiopians, Portuguese, Italian and
other groups that eagerly participate and fiercely compete. In the process
these communities are getting to know the Eritrean community, cultures,
music, food and traditions while creating lasting bond as well as respect
for the Eritrean community in Toronto and by extension Eritrea.
The Key here is the fact that Eritrean festivals are glue that bonds people
together in relaxed fashion. It accords Eritrean communities unlimited
opportunities. It is an opportunity to showcase Eritrea. Most importantly
it brings the next generation closer, it gives them a platform to learn and
experience Eritrea. It gives them opportunities to learn and experience
Eritrean cultures and customs and ultimately embrace it. It is a moment
that they can focus on their people while getting updates of national
developments. It is also time to make friends and build camaraderie. The
fact that they take part is gratifying but to witness high school and
college age youth showcasing their traditional dancing on stage confidently
is certain-confidence-booster to the parents. It is also demonstration of
love for Eritrea and expression of national pride.
*Conclusion *
Eritrean communities in Canada as a whole deserve praise for their
resilience and ability to overcome. Over the past 10 years in particular,
hostilities that Canadian authorities displayed toward Eritrea was second
to none. The only thing that they did not do is deport every Eritrean. They
have demonized Eritrea, vilified the history of the Eritrean revolution,
harassed, expelled Eritrean officials in a fashion designed to demean and
humiliate, went after Eritrea’s resources and pursued Eritrea through the
United Nations Their ill attempts are too long to detail.
However, throughout, Eritreans remained calm and committed. The successful
Eritrean Festival of Toronto is therefore an expression of Eritrea’s
resilience and ability to withstand. It demonstrates that there is nothing
that can stop the people of Eritrea from pursuing their interests. It is
also a testament that Eritrea prevails, always.
Congratulations for Eritrean community in Eastern Canada, Toronto and
environs for a successful festival. Well deserved praise for Eritrean
leaders Estifanos Neguse, Ahmed Iman, Temesgen Haileab, and partners. And
praise goes to all the participants and those that labored day and night to
secure and ensure the success of the Festival. It is a genuine expression
of a successful community at work for a purpose, and in a name of a nation,
Eritrea.
Awet-N-Hafash
Awetnayu_at_hotmail.com
Received on Sat Aug 22 2015 - 18:55:42 EDT