From: Yared Tesfay (ytmn2@yahoo.co.uk)
Date: Mon Jul 05 2010 - 17:58:52 EDT
Official Opening of Festival UK 2010 Opened with Patriotic Zeal
FESTIVAL PICTURES link - http://www.flickr.com/photos/50271104@N08/4762773527/SATURDAY, 03JULY 2010 00:28
Official Opening of Festival UK 2010 Opened with Patriotic ZealSaturday 3rd July 2010The sun blazing high in the sky, it seemed like even nature wanted Eritreans to celebrate the festival in the best way possible. The day Eritrean Festival in the UK began with a parade that included children from Sheffield and St Mary’s School in London, walking proudly in front of the audience gathered dressed in either traditional clothes or draped in the Eritrean flag. Striding in a confident manner, the children led the way to the opening gates, followed by the Guest of Honour H.E. Osman Saleh Eritrea Foreign Minister and the Eritrean Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland H.E Tesfamicael Gerahtu. Equipped with the people behind them and ear-splitting music playing in the background H.E. Osman Saleh Eritrea Foreign Minister cut the yellow, blue, green and red ribbons and the celebration commenced. But before the festival could officially be declared opened,
the flag was raised to the sound of people singing the national anthem, followed by clapping and cheering. Dancing around the flag the air was filled with the sound of horns blaring, flowers and flags waving high, there was nothing but pride in everyone’s eyes. The Guest of Honour, H.E. Osman Saleh then began the tour around the festival by starting at the exhibition that was overflowing with incredible works of art by the Eritrean community in the U.K.The children’s football and athletics programme proceeded, to become the start of the children’s activities. Later the activities continued on to include inflatable bounce castle, face painting, heritage corner aimed at 5-9 year olds and traditional games as well as storytelling.The Hade Libi tent held many activities ranging from the woman’s forum to the cultural concert that ran through until 23:30, in addition there was the Graduation ceremony that honoured those that had received their
bachelor degree or their masters. Furthermore there was a public seminar hosted by H.E. Osman Saleh Eritrea Foreign Minister. The tent was filled with hundreds of people, which is not uncommon however the number of young people sitting down listening was an inspiring sight to see. Although the festival fever was high this did not deter the young generation being involved in Eritrea’s affairs which in history the Eritrea’s youth played an important role during the liberation struggle and now with the nation building process this seminar also helped prove that young Eritreans in the UK understand they are the backbone of Eritrea and they can only grow stronger. The minister’s delivery was carried with charm and humour that captured the crowd both old and young.
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