Sidama New Year among Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritages of National Pride with Global Recognition

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia's cultural heritages, including the Sidama New Year Fichee-Chambalaalla, are sources of national pride that have achieved global recognition, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said.

Speaking at the Fichee-Chambalaalla Festival today, the minister underscored the significance of Ethiopia’s rich and diverse cultures which continue to captivate the world.

 

Fichee-Chambalaalla is a New Year festival being celebrated among the Sidama people of Ethiopia.  It is listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

These cultural heritages serve as a powerful foundation for both economic and cultural growth, the minister noted, emphasizing that the Fichee-Chambalaalla event embodies core values of peace, love, unity, solidarity, and brotherhood, Selamawit elaborated.

 She further stressed the need to promote such cultural events as major tourist attractions in order to increase their global visibility and economic potential.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritages, the minister expressed plans to collaborate with regional authorities in identifying, protecting, and developing tourism resources in Sidama.

Culture and Sports State Minister Nefisa Almahadi stressed the importance of preserving the cultural essence of Fichee-Chambalaalla, noting its role in fostering justice, good governance, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence.

The Sidama New Year, Fichee-Chambalaalla was celebrated today in Hawassa, Soressa, and Gudumale in the presence of senior federal officials, representatives from neighboring zones, and community members.