The decision acknowledges Gifaataa’s role in preserving ancient traditions of communal reconciliation, renewal of social bonds, sharing of food and local drink, music and dance, and transmission of Wolaita identity from generation to generation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fanamc.com/english/gifaataa-wolaita-people-new-year-festival-has-been-inscribed-on-the-representative-list-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity/|title=Gifaataa, Wolaita New Year Festival, Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List|website=Fana Media Corporation}}</ref>
The decision acknowledges Gifaataa’s role in preserving ancient traditions of communal reconciliation, renewal of social bonds, sharing of food and local drink, music and dance, and transmission of Wolaita identity from generation to generation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fanamc.com/english/gifaataa-wolaita-people-new-year-festival-has-been-inscribed-on-the-representative-list-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity/|title=Gifaataa, Wolaita New Year Festival, Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List|website=Fana Media Corporation}}</ref>
”’Key Elements of Gifaataa Festival”'<ref>A. S. Lambebo (2021). GIFAATAA FESTIVAL OF WOLAITTA IN ETHIOPIA. Vidyabharati International Interdisciplinary Research Journal} {file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/GIFAATAA_FESTIVAL_OF_WOLAITTA_IN_ETHIOPI.pdf</ref>
”’Key Elements of Gifaataa Festival”'<ref>A. S. Lambebo (2021). GIFAATAA FESTIVAL OF WOLAITTA IN ETHIOPIA. Vidyabharati International Interdisciplinary Research Journal} {file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/GIFAATAA_FESTIVAL_OF_WOLAITTA_IN_ETHIOPI.pdf</ref>
”’Cultural Attire”’
”’Cultural Attire”’
Wolaita New Year holiday
| Gifaataa ጊፋታ |
|
|---|---|
Gifaataa Festival |
|
| Observed by | Wolayta people |
| Significance | First day of the year in Wolaita |
| Celebrations |
|
| Date | September (based on lunar calendar) |
| 2024 date | 22 September |
| 2025 date | 21 September |
| 2026 date | 20 September |
| 2027 date | September |
| Duration | 4 days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | New Year |
| Gifaataa, Wolaita people New Year festival | |
|---|---|
| Country | Ethiopia |
| Reference | 02315 |
| Region | Africa |
| Inscription | 2025 (20th session) |
| List | Representative |
Gifaataa is a cultural festival celebrated by the Wolayta people in the Southern Region of Ethiopia within Wolayita Zone.[1] This festival is celebrated each year in September.[1] In this celebration, the Wolayta accept the New Year and send off the old one.[1] Gifaataa means, “the beginning,” and is also considered the bridge from old to new, dark to light.[2] During Gifaataa, the Wolayta dance and enjoy cultural foods. The significance of Gifaata is to eliminate issues of the past and start afresh, reconciling past quarrels and strengthening family and community ties moving forward.[1]
Chronology
The royal advisers summoned to the palace by census experts, when the old year draws to a closer. [3] Then, the royal advisors go out at night to determine the roots of the lunar cycle, the four parts of the moon: i.e. (poo’uwa, xumaa, xeeruwa, Goobanaa) and come with the numbered signs of the year and observe the full moon cycle and announce it to the king and his advisers.[4] After telling the king exactly the date, they return home with a reward, and the king’s approach to the festival will be told to the people by proclamation at the market and public meetings.
Recognition
Gifaataa as inscribed in the UNESCO‘s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025.[5] The addition listed under file reference 02315 for the 2025 cycle marks international recognition of the festival’s unique cultural significance.
The decision acknowledges Gifaataa’s role in preserving ancient traditions of communal reconciliation, renewal of social bonds, sharing of food and local drink, music and dance, and transmission of Wolaita identity from generation to generation.[6]
==Key Elements of Gifaataa Festival==[7]
Cultural Attire
– Dingguzza: Traditional clothing worn during Gifaataa, featuring black, red, and yellow patterns symbolizing strength, vitality, and prosperity.
Pre-Festival Market Days (Three Weeks of Preparation)
– 1. Goossha – Frenzied shopping begins; people rush to buy goods for the festival.
– 2. Hare Hayqo – Donkeys collapse under heavy loads of festival goods, symbolizing abundance and sacrifice.
– 3. Bobbooda – Final purchases made with urgency; money runs out, but no item is forgotten.
Traditional Foods & Customs
– Bacciraa – A dish made from enset (Ensete ventricosum), eaten before consuming raw meat.
– Amuwaa – Communal butchering of bulls for raw meat, held in the yard of a selected community member.
– Wosolluwa – Women dye their hands red as a sign of beauty and celebration.
– Ciishshaa – Flower gifts exchanged among relatives to express love and renewal.
Social Harmony & Elders’ Role
– Dubbusha – Elders mediate disputes, promote peace, and ensure community unity before the New Year.
Music and Dance
– Lekkiya – Traditional dance performed in groups, expressing joy and unity.
– Gazziya – Cultural music played with drums and vocals, often narrating historical and spiritual themes.
Farewell Rituals
– Guuliya – Burning tied trees to symbolically say goodbye to the Gifaataa holidays.
– Tooki-be’a – Eating all leftover food as a gesture of closure and gratitude.
References
External links
Media related to Gifaataa at Wikimedia Commons
