Ethiopia’s Gifaataa festival earns UNESCO intangible heritage status, elevating Wolaita culture on the global stage

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 800 Views

UNESCO has inscribed Gifaataa, the Wolaita people’s New Year festival from Ethiopia, on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision, made during UNESCO’s 20th committee session in New Delhi, highlights Gifaataa’s role in fostering peace, unity, and cultural continuity across generations, with Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister welcoming the recognition