UTNA UTNA
Festival Tigray 2023 was held in Denver, Colorado, USA from July 17 to July 23, 2023. The event was organized by the Union of Tigrayans in North America (UTNA) in collaboration with the North America Tigrayan Women Association (NATWA), the Union of Tigrayan Youth in North America (UTYNA) and the Tigray Development Association (TDA). Festival Tigray 2023 hosted various programs that include conferences, panel discussions, presentations, soccer tournaments and music and cultural shows.
The festival was honored by the presence of President Getachew Reda, President of the Interim Government of Tigray and was attended by several thousands of Tigrayans from all over the United States and Canada.
Ambassador Berhane Gebrekristos and Ambassador Fesseha Asgedom attended the opening ceremony of Festival Tigray 2023 on July 17, 2023, and gave opening remarks and expressed their good wishes for the success of the festival.
UTNA held its annual conference from July 17 – 19, 2023 where the annual work, financial and audit reports were presented and discussed in detail. Studies focused on four issues were also presented by members of UTNA, and on July 19, 2023, the UTNA conference was concluded successfully by issuing a five-point resolution.
July 20, 2023, was TDA day, where TDA conducted a successful conference and membership drive, and a music night to raise funds for the Tigray back to school initiative. July 21, 2023, was Youth Day and the UTYNA organized a successful cultural and music night where thousands of Tigrayan youth attended with pride and enthusiasm.
On July 22, 2023, President Getachew addressed a very large public gathering attended by Denver area residents and festival participants who came from various states. In his address, President Getachew gave a detailed account on the current political, social, and economic situation in Tigray and the region.
July 23, 2023, the last day of Festival Tigray 2023, marked Women’s Day. The NATWA held a successful conference and a very colorful night where President Getachew danced with the crowd.
Festival participants had the opportunity to attend the various sessions to discuss topics, ask questions and develop recommendations. Topics included: Tigrayan Unity, Investment Opportunities, Role of Media, Education, Health Care and Social Welfare, Political Tolerance and Inclusiveness, and Promoting Women and Youth Participation.
UTNA extends its gratitude and appreciation to the Denver area Tigrayan community, and all conference and festival participants for their tireless and tremendous support for the success of Festival Tigray 2023.
UTNA