Mekette Tigray Festival 2022

Dear Tigrayan Patriots and Friends of Tigray,

Is has been about 16 months since our people fall under the invasion of enemies. In response to this, UTNA, together with other organizations in the Diaspora, has been fighting to support the cause of our people in this critical juncture in our history. UTNA wants to take this opportunity to extend its gratitude for all Diaspora Tigrayans for the stupendous struggle they have been carrying out supporting the cause of our people.

As part of this just struggle and consistent with its customary practices, UTNA celebrates quite few public events among which Festival Tigray is one. Festival Tigray for this year is around the corner, and UTNA is working tirelessly to make it a grandiose event for all Diaspora Tigrayans and for our people at large.

The main purpose of this year’s festival is twofold. On the one hand, we are making every effort to make this event a moment for renewing our commitment to continue supporting the cause of our people until Tigray achieves a state of normalcy. Deep dive discussions will be conducted on several important issues pertinent to the crisis in Tigray with the aim of drawing lessons that will inform our next struggle/Mekette. On the other hand, this year’s Festival is being organized in a very unique way in a place that renders all types of services to all ranges of ages. In this venue, attendees, their families, children and friends will have a place to stay and the ability to participate in several events while also refreshing themselves. We are planning to achieve quite some concrete outcomes; “many good birds with one stone”.

As it was announced in last year’s festival, this year’s festival is going to be held in Washington DC metropolitan area between July 11, 2022 and July 17, 2022 at the famous live Casino in Ann Arundel Mills, which is 2 miles from the BWI airport. Ann Arundel Mills Outlet Mall is the largest Mall in Maryland with lots of outlets, a huge food court, a theater, and kids’ entertainment facilities. There are also quite many restaurants and hotels in a walking distance from the meeting and event halls. UTNA have negotiated a discount on hotel reservations at the live casino and start booking reservations using the link or telephone number below:

Please use the following link.

https://maryland-reservations.livecasinohotel.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=16223&nights=1&checkin=7/11/2022&group=3500599&lang=en-us

To calls and make reservations, you can call – 443-445-2929.  These instructions are on your agreement if you need to reference them.

When calling, they should ask for the TDA / UTNA Annual Grand Meeting Block

There are many more hotels around, which will be cheaper and UTNA will reach out to each hotel and see if discount is available. We will let our community know as soon as possible. Safety is always a paramount importance to UTNA. The area has its own police station since the live casino is open 24 hours.

Proceeds from this Festival will be donated to Mekette Tigray and UTNA wants to express its gratitude to the diaspora community for supporting the event and contribute to the well-being of our people. Last year you have contributed about $350,000.00 from the three events (youth organization Friday event, UTNA Saturday event and North American women’s association Sunday event). This year, we are planning to generate around half a million in contributions. UTNA is confident that our diaspora community will make this happen.

TDF is doing miraculous deeds under all odds and so do the Tigray Diaspora. Together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.

Tigray will prevail and win.

Sincerely,

UTNA

====•=====•===

Mark your calendar!