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
