Art & CultureNews

 

Ethiopian Monitor

ADDIS ABABA – The first East Africa Art and Culture Festival kicks off in Addis Ababa in the presence of representatives from East Africa as well as government officials the host nation.

The six-day long festival showcases indigenous manufacturing products, traditional cuisines and medicines, artistic pictures and sculptures, including languages and cultural symposium and book fairs.

Today’s opening ceremony has taken place at Mesqel square accompanied by cultural dances and exhibitions. Ethiopian National Theatre and Entoto Park will also host various programs of the festival.

Authorities believe the Festival would strengthen people-to-people relations among the countries in the East African region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture and Sports, Kejela Merdasa, said the people of East Africa should employ the Festival to support integration efforts and people-to-people relationships.

A representative from South Sudan Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports noted that the Festival reflects the cultural mosaic of East African countries and it should get deserved attention and recognition in the region, according to EPA.

It is to be recalled that Ethiopia has proposed for the East African Cultural and Art Festival to be hosted in rotation among countries in the sub-regions annually.