Asmara Eritrea - November 30th 2005
Nigdet (or Santa Mariam) is a
once a year Orthodox Christian Festival at the Nda Mariam Church in
Asmara. My repeated efforts to gather information about special events
during these two weeks resulted in a nice agenda, including the suggestion
to visit the Nda Mariam compound today.
When I arrive there at 8:00
there is already a lot of people gathered. Most of them praying, some of
them sitting in groups asking for charity. I decided to return to the
center to change an extra 100 euro into 175 10 Nakfa notes, so I can spend
it on those who need it, giving one or two notes at the time, in
conformity with the Eritrean tradition of selflessness.
Wandering around the church I
meet a lot of people I met earlier these weeks: families, employees of the
Municipality of Asmara. Priests in beautiful garments perform various
ceremonies, both in and outside the church. I watch the festival until it
is noon, and time for lunch.
Walking through Asmara I meet
Efrem, who used to live in Holland, but returned to Eritrea. He asks if I
brought him something from Holland. I didn't. I share my mineral water
with him on the pavement in front of the American Bar and I give him one
of the 10 Nakfa notes to have a lunch.
Three children are challenging
me to picture them. After making their picture I invite them to a nearby
pastry, to have some cake of their choice. For a second time I meet Efrem,
so I invite him as well. He asks me, if I am willing to call his friend in Amsterdam,
after returning to Holland, to bring him his Christmas greetings.
I remember the Christmas cards
I bought today in the bookshop of the Cathedral. I give him one of the
cards, to add a message to his friend, helping him to write it. I will
bring it to Holland and post it there. My Christmas gift to Efrem.
Nda Mariam Coptic Cathedral
at sunrise - Asmara Eritrea.
Celebration of Nigdet (Santa
Mariam) at the Coptic Cathedral in Asmara.
Celebration of Nigdet (Santa
Mariam) at the Coptic Cathedral in Asmara.
Two employees of the
Municipality of Asmara.
Celebration of Nigdet (Santa
Mariam) at the Coptic Cathedral in Asmara.
Celebration of Nigdet (Santa
Mariam) at the Coptic Cathedral in Asmara.
Celebration of Nigdet (Santa
Mariam) at the Coptic Cathedral in Asmara.
Celebration of Nigdet (Santa
Mariam) at the Coptic Cathedral in Asmara.
Se'alena (picture us).
Children in Asmara Eritrea.
Merry Christmas and a happy
New Year from Asmara Eritrea.
In Tigrinya: Ruhus Baal Lideten Hadish Ameten Yegaberena.
Produced by Edward Araya - PO Box 3766 Asmara - Eritrea
Phone: +2911 150236 or mobile phone: +2917 143491