Clothing- Before the coming of the Italians, most of the ethnic groups used to wear clothes made up of animal skins. However, during colonization the Eritrean’s way of dressing was revolutionized especially with the introduction of synthetic fabrics. Today most of the nationalities wear clothes made of cotton. In the highlands, mainly in the countryside, men wear loose cotton trousers and collarless shirts while women wear flowing chiffon dresses and always drape themselves with a cotton shawl. The followers of Islam (mainly lowlanders) are more or less influenced by the Islamic culture in every aspect of their life. So that the men attire the turban or kuffih and the women don loose fitting dresses that cover all their bodies with the exception of their eyes. The women like the highlanders drape themselves with shawl. In the towns and cities, modern European style has greatly influenced the way of dressing.

      

Cuisine- in the highlands and in some parts of the lowlands the dish is Injera (sourdough bread with a resemblance of a very large pancake)- a staple diet- and shiro- a sauce prepared from yellow powder made up of beans and spices, zegni- curried beef or chicken powdered with red pepper (berbere) and other spices. Most of Eritrean food is vegetables and crops. Meat is mostly eaten in the holidays. In the lowlands porridge is the most common food. Restaurants, most established by the Italians, are specialized in Italian foods such as spaghetti, lasagna and beefsteak. In Eritrean tradition, eating in the open air is not common while drinking in the public is normal. Above all Eritrean coffee ceremony is the most exiting and attractive, it is given a great value and traditional importance. It takes time to brew and some skill. It is used as a means of gathering relatives, family and friends. It is served in single-handled pottery of carafe shape and drunk by small cups. Usually its ceremony has three rounds and the first one called the awel is the best.

Eritreans have a long history of art and music. The traditional music instruments, though in the present days dominated by the western, are still used in the towns and county sides. These include kebero (Drum)-the earliest and widespread instrument, kerar (lyre of five or six), embelta, meleket (both instruments resembling large flutes) and wata (traditional violin). The ethnic groups have various ways of dancing, and using the musical instruments. Eritreans love music very much. They have songs for any occasion: weddings, get togethers, traditional and religious festivities, harvest seasons and much more.