Ethiopia's Wolaita New Year Festival, "Gifaata," has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently taking place in New Delhi, India.

Gifaata holds significant cultural importance for the Wolaita people. It is a major, centuries-old celebration marking the transition from the old year to the new, acting as a crucial expression of the community's identity passed down through successive generations.

Its successful inscription was attributed to the festival's inclusive nature. Gifaata promotes peace and social cohesion across all segments of society, actively encouraging comprehensive activities regardless of age, gender, religion, or social standing—criteria that align with the conservation categories prioritized by UNESCO.