Eritrean Community in Toronto: A Cultural Mosaic

Nestled in the northeast corner of Africa, Eritrea’s journey to independence in 1991

marked the end of a grueling 30-year war with Ethiopia. This victory, however, spurred a

diaspora as thousands fled the turmoil, with many finding refuge in Toronto. By the late 1970s

and early 1980s, the Eritrean presence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) began to flourish.

Today, over 15,000 Eritreans proudly call the GTA their home.

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This vibrant community is a tapestry of nine distinct nationalities: Afar, Bilen, Hedareb,

Kunama, Nara, Rashaida, Saho, Tigre, and Tigrigna. Languages like Tigrigna, Tigre, and Arabic

resonate within the community, with the Rashaida speaking Arabic exclusively, adding to the

rich linguistic diversity.

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At the heart of this community stands the Eritrean Canadian Community Centre of

Metropolitan Toronto (ECCC), a beacon of cultural preservation and support. The ECCC is more

than a center; it’s a lifeline for many Eritreans, offering cultural events, social gatherings, and

crucial newcomer support. The Seniors Program is a cornerstone of the ECCC, engaging 45-60

seniors weekly in workshops, presentations, and storytelling, all conducted in Eritrean languages.

The center also provides vital translation and interpretation services for essential documents,

bridging the communication gap for many.

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Aiding the next generation, the ECCC offers educational support with math, English, and

science tutorials for 110 newcomer children and youth. Their soccer program, involving 156

participants, seamlessly blends sports with life skills and leadership training, nurturing well-

rounded young individuals. As a community-based non-profit, the ECCC enriches Toronto’s

multicultural landscape. It ensures that the Eritrean community remains deeply connected to its

roots while actively contributing to the city’s diversity. The center’s bilingual support and

accessible facilities further solidify its role as an indispensable part of the GTA.

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Places to Go: Savoring Eritrean Cuisine in Toronto

For those looking to indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of Eritrean cuisine, Toronto

offers several exceptional dining spots. From the west end around Ossington and Bloor to the

east end near Danforth and Greenwood, these restaurants and cafés provide a taste of Eritrea's

vibrant culinary heritage. Known for its bold, spicy flavors, Eritrean food is a must-try for

anyone exploring the city’s multicultural food scene.

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To name a few, here are some examples:

➢ Uhuru Bar Restaurant (Tel: (416) 652-6594, Address: 380 Oakwood Ave)

➢ African Palace(Tel:(416) 539-0259, Address: 977 Bloor St W)

➢ Jemila Dubai Coffee(Tel:(647) 677-0176, Address:2846 Danforth Ave)

➢ Habesha Restaurant(Tel:(249) 358-5093, Address:842 Bloor Street West)

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Religious Centers, Schools, and Other Institutions

The Eritrean community in Toronto is enriched by a diverse array of religious affiliations, with members

professing Christianity and Islam. The Christian denominations include Coptic, Roman Catholic, and

Protestant traditions. Here are some key religious centers serving the Eritrean community:

➢ Medhanie Alem Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church(Tel: (416) 658-1232, Address:1

Ramsden Rd, Toronto ON M6E 2N1)

➢ Merso Ahmar St. Michael Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church(Tel:(416) 762-9666,

address: 702 Jane St, York ON M6N 4A8)

➢ Catholic Gheez Rite Chaplaincy(Tel:(416) 653-2847, Address:1277 St Clair Ave W,

Toronto ON M6E 1B8)

➢ Berhan Semay Church Toronto(Tel:(647) 247-3969, address: 1108 Greenwood Ave,

Toronto ON M4J 4

 

National and Religious Holidays

➢ Independence Day: Celebrated on May 24, marking Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia.

➢ International Women's Day: Observed on March 8, honoring the contributions and

achievements of women.

➢ Martyrs' Day: Held on June 20, remembering those who lost their lives during the struggle for

independence.

➢ Start of the Independence Armed Struggle: Commemorated on September 1, marking the

beginning of the armed struggle for Eritrean independence.

➢ Christmas (Roman Catholic): December 25, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

➢ Coptic Christmas: January 7, observed by the Coptic Christian community to mark the birth of

Christ according to the Coptic calendar.

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Media

➢ MEKALH is a newsletter published by the Eritrean Canadian Community Centre (see below).