Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Berhane AraiaThe nation-state of Eritrea lies along the rugged mountain coastline of the Red Sea in the Horn of Africa. With a population of approximately 3.6 million–less than half that of Dallas-Fort Worth–its relatively small size belies a wide-ranging cultural heritage. Specifically, Eritrea comprises nine distinct ethnic groups spanning a diverse collection of religions, cuisines, and traditions, all woven into a shared identity.
Established in 1974, Festival Eritrea USA is held in a different city each year. It serves as a dedicated point of connection for generations of Eritrean-Americans from across the country, as well as an opportunity for all locals to experience Eritrean art, sport, food, and music. The 2026 festival will take place in Dallas this weekend, starting on Friday, at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie. The event is projected to draw upwards of 10,000 attendees.
Ongoing tensions between the nations in the region of the Horn of Africa, as well as potential shifts in U.S. relations, bring this year’s festival at a time when Eritrean-Americans are watching what happens on several fronts. The 2026 theme, “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” was selected as a reminder of the past and affirmation for the present.
“The theme comes straight from our history,” says festival chair, Azmera Zerai. “Even through difficult times, people kept the festival alive. Our resilience has always carried us forward. It’s a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, our culture, our community, and our unity will continue.”
In fact, the very location of this year’s event is a nod to the past with an eye on the future. In 2022, it was held in the Dallas suburb of Mesquite, and due to high demand, it was decided that a return to North Texas was warranted. Zerai says “the hospitality, the food, and the welcoming community” among key points that factored into the decision.
Festival highlights include:
Zerai emphasizes that many of the activities are for and by the next generation of Eritrean-Americans. “In addition to showcasing young artists, we’ll have a fashion show, children’s games, and face painting,” she says. “On Sunday, we’ll celebrate our 2026 graduates, which is always a special moment.”
And last, but certainly not least, a lineup of festival food vendors will serve handmade regional dishes. Examples include tsebhi, a richly-spiced, brick red meat-and-vegetable dish, and zigni, a spicy beef stew which is the national dish of Eritrea. Most meals are served on large platters, atop or alongside injera sourdough flatbread, intended for sharing by friends and family.
