ADDIS ABABA – A festival promoting East African unity through arts and culture is going to be concluded tomorrow here, highlighting the region’s diverse heritage.
The five-day East Africa Art and Culture Festival, held at the Addis International Convention Centre (AICC) from March 20th, 2025, under the theme: “Art and Culture for Regional Integration,” showcased the pivotal role of cultural exchange in fostering regional connection.
East African Community Affairs Minister Gervais Abayeho emphasized the festival’s significance, stating that it united diverse populations and reinforced shared artistic and cultural values.
He noted the striking similarities between cultural expressions across East Africa, citing examples such as the shared characteristics of Ethiopian and Maasai dances, and the connections between Burundian artistic traditions and those of neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and even the Zulu dances of South Africa.
The festival featured a rich program of activities, including conferences, symposiums, cultural and artistic exhibitions, circus performances, traditional cuisine displays, fashion shows, music, and film, theater, and book fairs. Cultural groups from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya participated, providing a vibrant display of the region’s artistic heritage.
This event served to strengthen cultural diplomacy, promote infrastructure and industrial development, and encourage social cohesion and cooperation within the East African Community.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 23 MARCH 2025
