The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially inscribed Gifaataa, the New Year festival of the Wolaita people of Ethiopia, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was adopted during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held this week in New Delhi.

The inscription recognizes Gifaataa as a unique cultural expression that promotes social harmony, intergenerational connection, and community identity. According to UNESCO, the festival plays a vital role in strengthening peace, unity, and social cohesion across the Wolaita community.

A Celebration Rooted in Tradition and Renewal

Celebrated annually between mid-September and early October, Gifaataa marks the beginning of the Wolaita new year, following the traditional Wadia Kodo lunar calendar. It symbolizes thanksgiving for past harvests and hopes for prosperity in the year ahead.

Preparations for the festival include community-wide cleaning, home repairs, beautification activities, and the reconciliation of disputes—ensuring participants enter the new year with restored relationships and communal harmony.

Ten Days of Cultural Expressions

The main day of Gifaataa features family gatherings, the sharing of raw meat and locally brewed beer, and blessings delivered by respected elders. Evening rituals are held around bonfires, accompanied by singing, dancing, and storytelling.

The ten-day celebration concludes with goolo-igetta, a large communal event showcasing horse riding, music, and collective blessings.

Roles Across Generations

The festival is characterized by clearly defined age and gender roles:

Women and girls prepare traditional dishes, brew beverages, and decorate homes.
Men and boys gather firewood, repair houses, and construct communal bonfires.
Elders resolve conflicts, advise on agriculture, and guide spiritual rituals.

These practices reinforce knowledge transmission within families, complemented by local schools, cultural institutions, and media outlets.

National Significance

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the UNESCO inscription, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Gifaataa at national and global levels. Minister Selamawit Kassa noted that the festival “brings together people of all ages, religions, and social groups, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and shared identity.”

A Heritage for Future Generations

Research highlights that Gifaataa not only strengthens social bonds but also supports community development by encouraging cooperative behavior, responsible resource management, and financial discipline during festival preparations.

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Wolaita New Year Festival ‘Gifaataa’ Added to UNESCO Intangible Heritage List