January 9, 2021
Eritrea: 2020 Year in Review
By Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion
January
The first month of 2020 in Eritrea began like other years, with festivities. In Asmara, colorful cultural and musical performances were held at Cinema Roma on New Year’s Eve. President Isaias Afwerki also made a public statement conveying his best wishes to Eritreans for the year ahead.A week later, Christmas celebrations took place across the country. In Gahtelay, a large celebration, with performances by the “Rim Stars” and other renowned artists, was organized. It was attended by throngs of locals, as well as government officials. His Holiness Abune Petros, Archbishop of the Eritrean Tewahdo Orthodox Church, also gave benediction. In his sermon, he wished peace and prosperity for Eritrea and he called on citiznes to support the disadvantaged. On 20 January, Epiphany (Timket) was celebrated nationwide. A number of religious leaders, government officials, and thousands of the faithful took part in the religious observance conducted at Asmara’s Bahti Meskerem Square.
