Addis Ababa, March 26, 2026 (FMC) — The historic city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia is preparing to host the Shuwalid Festival, an annual three-day celebration of the Harari people, set to begin tomorrow.
Recently inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival highlights Harar’s rich traditions and living cultural heritage.
Shuwalid marks the end of six days of fasting undertaken to compensate for missed days during the holy month of Ramadan.
The celebrations are centered at sacred shrines, including Aw Shulum Ahmed and Aw Akebara, located at the main gates of Harar’s walled city (Jugol), itself a UNESCO World Heritage site.
During the festival, community members participate in spiritual supplications, traditional music and dance, ceremonial readings of religious texts, and blessings from elders.
The festival serves as a platform for transmitting Harari cultural values, social traditions, and performing arts across generations, uniting the Harari people of all ages.
UNESCO’s recognition emphasizes Shuwalid’s role in strengthening community identity, fostering social cohesion, and preserving intangible cultural heritage.
Local authorities expect the 2026 observance to draw both domestic and international visitors, reinforcing Harar’s reputation as a center of living cultural heritage in eastern Ethiopia.