Asmara May 24
On May 24, the Eritrean people celebrate Independence Day, their liberation (in 1991) from Ethiopia. In 1993 99.8% of the Eritrean population voted "yes", for independence from Ethiopia. Those who doubt the referendum should visit the celebration during the May 14 - May 24 time span. We were there in the year 2000. Below some of the 2000 pictures.
In my travel blogs of 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2016, I published more pictures and testemonies of this joyful yearly event of one or more canivals, performances in Cinema Roma and Cinema Asmara, exhibitions, local celebrations on community or corporate level, the eve of Independence Day on Harnet Avenue, and the main event in Asmara Stadium on May 24.
May 23rd 2000 people dancing and singing on Harnet Avenue Asmara,
May 23rd 2000 Drama at Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara.
Photo: courtesy of the Eritrean Ministry of Information.
May 23rd 2000 - 9 candles, one for every year of freedom
May 23rd 2000 - Singing and dancing at Bahti Meskerem Asmara.
Photo: courtesy of the Eritrean Ministry of Information.
May 23rd 2000 Harnet Avenue Asmara (Cathedral)
People attending the festivities (dance and music).
"Our patience is our power of defence". (Premises of "the Italian")
May 24th 2000 - Party tent near Harnet Avenue
Liberty Avenue Asmara, May 24th 2000. The sign in the tent reads:
"Hagerna bidemmna!" which means: "Our country with our blood!".
It is supposed to mean that the independence was obtained with a lot
of struggle and many gave their lives for it. Or as one Eritrean stated:
"We have a standing army of 4 million soldiers. Our whole population
is our defence force. They can conquer our land, but not our people!"
In May and June banners like these can be found everywhere in Asmara.
This is the banner at the entrance of the Castello Restaurant Asmara.
"Congratulations May 24th 2000
with the ninth birthday
of the liberation of Eritrea."
Windows are decorated to celebrate independence, victory & peace.
Dressed to celebrate - Harnet Avenue Asmara May 24th 2000.
Mebrat, Hans & members of the Eritrean defence force May 28th 2000.