Eritrean community festival in Switzerland

Asmara, 06 July 2026- Eritrean nationals residing in Switzerland colorfully conducted their annual festival on 4 and 5 July in the city of Lausanne, in which nationals from 26 regions of Switzerland took part.

The annual festival, officially opened by Ms. Sophia Tesfamariam, Eritrea’s Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, and Mr. Habtom Zeray, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Switzerland and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, featured villages representing the regions of Eritrea and the National Union of Eritrean Women, cultural presentations, children’s programs, seminars, and other activities.

The programs, presented in the form of competitions and accorded wide acclamation by visitors, included presentations acquainting visitors with the cultures and traditions of Eritrean society, efforts and progress to ensure social justice, the history and values of the Eritrean people, Eritrea’s agricultural products and natural resources, as well as traditional costumes of Eritrea’s ethnic groups and villages representing the regions of Eritrea.

At the occasion, Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam gave a briefing on the agenda discussed by the Human Rights Council last June. She also answered questions raised by the participants.

It was noted that the objective of the festivals conducted by Diaspora nationals is to enable nationals to preserve their culture and identity and transfer noble societal values and national identity to the young generation, discuss national issues, as well as reflect the true image of Eritrea and Eritreans.

The festival was highlighted by cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea. Certificates of participation were also presented to participants.