What is the Habesha Festival?
The Habesha Festival was born from a vision to create a space where culture, community, and connection come together in a powerful way.
Organized by a passionate team of young leaders and community members, the Habesha Festival is rooted in love for our people, our culture, and our city. We believe in the power of unity, storytelling, and joy, and we hope to bring that to life each year on Treaty 6 territory.
The Habesha Festival is powered by a passionate and dedicated team of young leaders who believe deeply in the strength of community and culture. Every one of us brings something different to the table, but what unites us is a shared love for our people and a desire to create something meaningful.
Organizer
Blane Samuel
Blane is one of the lead organizers of the Habesha Festival. From building community connections to handling logistics and overseeing key decisions, she has been hands-on every step of the way. Blane brings thoughtfulness, strength, and unwavering dedication to the team. Her ability to stay grounded while pushing things forward has been essential in turning this vision into a reality. Her heart for her community and belief in what this festival represents are at the center of all she does.
Organizer
Tinsaye Hailu
Tinsaye serves alongside Blane as a core leader of the Habesha Festival. From the initial vision to the smallest details, she has been deeply involved in making this dream come to life. Tinsaye brings creativity, compassion, and a fierce commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen and celebrated. Her passion for culture, youth, and community empowerment is the heartbeat of the festival’s mission.
Volunteer Coordinator
Kalkedan Abrham
Kalkedan is the warm and welcoming face behind our volunteer team. She makes sure every volunteer feels appreciated, organized, and empowered to contribute. With her heart for people and talent for bringing teams together, Kalkedan ensures that the festival runs with kindness and community spirit at its core.
Operations Support Lead
Teamir Aynekulu
Teamir is our go-to for all things behind the scenes. From equipment coordination to supporting our first aid and safety teams, she helps make sure everything runs smoothly on the ground. With a calm presence and a can-do attitude, Teamir is someone the whole team can count on.
Entertainment & Program Lead
Lucy Asfaha
Lucy curates the heart of the festival experience, what you see on stage. From coordinating performers to building the day’s program, she helps ensure the entertainment reflects both tradition and innovation. Her passion for music, culture, and community makes every moment unforgettable.
Civic Logistics Coordinator
Gelila Aregawi
Gelila takes the lead on city permits, park logistics, and all the technical requirements that make this event possible. Her attention to detail and commitment to getting things done make her an essential part of the team. She keeps the structure strong so the celebration can shine.
Social Media Coordinator
Saron Efrem
Saron brings our story to life. She manages our social media with creativity and care while also leading our fundraising efforts to keep the festival going strong. Whether she is writing posts, building campaigns, or connecting with donors, Saron brings passion and purpose into every part of her work.
GET INVOLVED!
Performances
Live Shows
Vendors
Our stage is where culture comes alive. We are showcasing talent from across the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities—through dance, music, spoken word, and more. If you are an artist or performer who wants to be part of the lineup, we would love to hear from you.
Community Marketplace
Bring your business to the Habesha Festival! Whether you sell traditional food, handmade crafts, clothing, art, or provide community resources, this is your space to connect with festival-goers. Vendors are responsible for their own setup, but we provide the platform to showcase your products and reach new audiences.
Local Engagement
Help bring this vision to life. Whether you want to volunteer, run a resource booth, or support in another way, there is a place for you at the Habesha Festival. Together, we can build something meaningful.
Volunteer
Contact Us
Get in Touch
Whether you're interested in volunteering, performing, vending, partnering, or simply want to learn more about the festival, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
Culture Communtiy Unity