Addis Ababa, March 15, 2026 (FMC) — Residents of Ethiopia’s Sidama Region have celebrated the Fichee-Chambalaalla festival, the Sidama community’s annual New Year, with vibrant cultural ceremonies and traditional rituals. The celebration is recognized by the UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This year’s festival was marked with colorful events in the city of Hawassa, bringing together federal and regional government officials, community elders, Ayantus (traditional cultural leaders), Abba Gadas, youth representatives, and invited guests.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker of the House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager underscored the festival’s importance in fostering social cohesion and strengthening unity among communities.
He described Fichee-Chambalaalla as one of Ethiopia’s prominent cultural celebrations, distinguished by its unique traditions and deep symbolic meaning.
The festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2015, in recognition of its cultural value and its role in preserving the traditions of the Sidama people.
According to Sidama oral tradition, Fichee commemorates a woman who, after her marriage, returned once a year to visit her parents and relatives, bringing with her buurisame—a traditional dish prepared from false banana, milk, and butter.
The meal was shared with neighbors, symbolizing generosity and communal harmony.
Over time, the practice gradually evolved into a wider cultural celebration that marks the Sidama New Year.
Speaker Agegnehu Teshager noted that the festival reflects values of solidarity, peace, and forgiveness, encouraging communities to put aside past grievances and welcome the new year with reconciliation and unity.
He added that such cultural celebrations create opportunities for children and youth to learn about their heritage and help ensure that these traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.
The Speaker also stressed the need to safeguard Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, noting that traditions recognized by UNESCO, including Fichee-Chambalaalla, serve as important instruments of cultural diplomacy that deserve protection and promotion.
Touching on national matters, he also highlighted the significance of the upcoming general election in strengthening national unity and ensuring equitable participation, calling on citizens to contribute to a peaceful and democratic electoral process.
According to the National Election Board of Ethiopia, more than nine million citizens registered to vote during the first week of voter registration for Ethiopia’s 7th General Election.
The celebration in Hawassa continues with traditional Ketala performances, horse racing known as Gugs, and a range of cultural programs attended by leaders and representatives from various nations and nationalities across the country.