Eritrea’s Martyrs Day Commemorated with Patriotic Zeal

Asmara, 20 June 2026 – Eritrea’s Martyrs Day was commemorated with patriotic zeal by nationals inside the country and abroad.

At the commemorative event held at Asmara Martyrs Cemetery, President Isaias Afwerki laid a wreath in tribute to the heroic martyrs. The commemorative event commenced with a public procession from Shida Square to the Martyrs Cemetery, accompanied by a marching band.

The ceremony was attended by senior Government and PFDJ officials, Army Commanders, members of the diplomatic community, and thousands of Asmara residents.

The official ceremony, which was broadcast live on Eri-TV and Radio Dimtsi Hafash, featured cultural and artistic performances highlighting the deep meaning of the day and the invaluable sacrifices made by the gallant freedom fighters for Eritrea’s independence and national sovereignty.

Martyrs Day was also marked with patriotic zeal on 19 June by Eritrean nationals inside the country and abroad with a candlelight vigil.

The commemorative event in Asmara was conducted with a candlelight vigil and walkathon from Martyrs Avenue to Bahti Meskerem Square, accompanied by a marching band. The event drew thousands of Asmara residents.

Mr. Tekie Qeleta, Director General of Administration and Finance of the Central Region, noting that Eritrea’s martyrs are the source of national pride who ensured the country’s independence and national sovereignty, underlined that Martyrs Day, 20 June, is a reminder for every national to support families of martyrs and live up to their expectations by redoubling efforts in the nation-building process.

The ceremony at Bahti Meskerem Square was broadcast live on Eritrean Television and Radio Dimtsi Hafash.

Martyrs Day, 20 June, was also enthusiastically commemorated nationwide with various events in remembrance of Eritrea’s heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price for independence and national sovereignty.

At exactly 1:00 p.m. today, a minute of silence was observed across the country in memory of the martyrs.