Asmara Eritrea - May 24th 2003

 

I spend the day to visit the family and friend of my wife, to say goodbye and to find the last souvenirs and some bottles of Asmara Zibib, the local liquor.

At 16:00 I walk to BahtiMeskerem, the former parade grounds, where the main celebration of the 12th anniversary of independence will take place. Although the invitation suggests that we can enter the stadium at 16:00, we have to wait for almost an hour. Children are getting impatient and try to pass the guards. Without success. The invitation is checked at least five times.

 

 

Big shots of the EPDJ, members of the Asmara police force and the military keep a close watch on the audience. I am one of the happy few that is allowed to leave my seat for a better camera position.

Representatives of the military, air force, navy and police march in front of the audience, while a brass band is playing. The Eritrean air force Migs adorn the show. There is speeches of President Isaias Afwerki and others, both in Arabic and Tigrinya, followed by singing and drama, reminding the audience of the Ethiopian cruelties during the recent wars.

6000 students give a show, dancing in formations to celebrate the revival of the Eritrean railways and the birth of Eritrean Airlines. Others are dresses in traditional cloths to represent the dancing and singing tradition of all nine ethnic groups in Eritrea. President Isaias Afwerki and his ministers dance with the students in front of the audience. Finally the evening ends with the national anthem.

When we leave the stadium I recognize my friend Berhe, who is also living in Holland. I ask him to make some pictures of me and the student dancers. They will be the most dear souvenirs of these weeks.

When I return to the Corea Housing Complex, Feshaye is enthusiast. "ERI-TV found your t shirt very interesting. We have seen you many times on television." It will be another nice souvenir. Luwam and Yerusalem recorded the show on the video tapes I gave them. The text on my (home made) t shirt was broadcasted all over Eritrea.

 

Helicopters pulling banners through the Asmara sky.

Military parades on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of independence.

President Isaias Afwerki making his speech to the audience.

Drama: the boots represent the Ethiopian army,
burning down villages and slaughtering its population.

Thousands of students dancing on traditional music.

All ethnical groups of Eritrea have their share in the show.

Thousands of students dancing on traditional music.

Drama: revival of the Eritrean railway.

Students of the University of Asmara singing and dancing.

President Isaias Afwerki and his cabinet dancing with the students.

Finale: singing the Eritrean national anthem.

Part of the family: celebrating the 12th anniversary with the students.