Ethiopian Pride Shines at Aurora Fest This Saturday

Aurora Fest, a celebration of global diversity, is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn. The event will commence with a Parade of Nations, featuring flags, music, and cultural pride from various immigrant communities.

The Ethiopian community, the second-largest immigrant population in Aurora, plays a significant role in the festival. For individuals like Daniel Abdella, carrying the Ethiopian flag evokes a strong sense of belonging, making him feel at home despite being far from his native country.

Lidia Tamerat, who resettled in the U.S. with her family after fleeing Ethiopia as a refugee, expresses that America is her home while Ethiopia remains her heritage. The festival highlights the contributions of Ethiopians in Aurora, including their ownership of businesses and involvement in education and the arts.

Abdella encourages visitors to experience the festival's food, as many local restaurant and business owners will be present. Aurora Fest represents a moment of shared celebration for communities, where common challenges in a new country transform into collective joy and cultural exchange.

The festival will take place from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. It offers a platform for communities to share their culture, food, and traditions while also learning from other participating groups.