Gifata
Gifata is a festival that marks the transition of the Wolaita people. Gifata means “crossing over” or “moving from the old to the new” in the Wolaita language. This festival is considered a manifestation of religion, culture, love, and unity.
Here is a detailed explanation of the Gifata festival:
- When the festival is celebrated
- Gifata is celebrated annually at the end of the month of Pagume or the beginning of the month of Sekhemer.
- The exact date of the festival is determined by the traditional calendar fathers called “Ailafa” (based on the celestial bodies and the cycle of the moon).
- Preparation and stages of Gifata
There are main activities that take place before and during the festival:
- Salt (Chwa): Before the festival, cattle are salted with traditional salt to ensure that they are well-fed and healthy.
- Preparation (Gifata Lagiya): Women celebrate by making butter, making cakes, and decorating the house. Men prepare the animals and materials to be slaughtered for the festival.
- Reconciliation Season: Gifata is a festival of peace. People who fought in the old year do not move on to the new year without making peace. Elders reconcile those who have fought.
- Food and Drink Culture
There are special dishes prepared during Gifata:
- Muchuwa: A special Gifata dish made from corn, butter, and various spices.
- Bachira: A sweet dish made with butter and meat.
- Bori: A traditional Wolaita drink made with milk and butter.
- Cultural Dances and Games
- Kassa: A dance performed by young people and adults to express joy.
- Dances: Young people go from house to house in groups and play traditional songs. During this time, poems are presented that praise the history, heroism, and work culture of the nation.
- Benefits of Social Networking
- Family Reunion: Wolaita people living in distant countries return to their hometowns for the Gifata festival and spend it with their families.
- Bulla: On the day after the festival, neighbors and relatives gather together to eat and welcome the new year together.
- Peace: Forgetting the past year’s mistakes and renewing them with forgiveness.
- Unity: Eating together with family and neighbors.
- Generosity: Helping those who lack understanding and spending the festival happily.
- Gratitude: Giving thanks to the Creator for the good harvest and health.
Overall, Gifata is a great event where the Wolaita people show their identity, history, and traditions to the world.
- Tips for Visitors
- Celebration Date: Since the exact date of the festival is determined by traditional leaders every year, it is important to check the date announced by the Wolaita Zone Culture and Tourism Bureau before you go.
- Traditional Clothing: To enjoy the festival more, it will be special if you wear the traditional Wolaita dress (buluko).
- Language Usage: Using the word “Yoya” (Welcome/Welcome) will help you communicate with the local community easily.
Travel Plan (for the Festival)
Since this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Sodo Stadium and in every home, it is advisable to plan your trip in mid-September.
Day 1: Travel to Wolaita Sodo
- Transportation: Fly to Sodo from Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines or drive.
- Accommodation: Hotels in Sodo town (e.g. Lewi, Tourist, or attractive lodges).
- Activities: Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city in the evening.
Day 2: Celebration of the Wazema and the main festival
- Morning: Attend a grand cultural show at Sodo Stadium (where thousands of people dance in traditional costumes).
- Afternoon: Visit rural districts (e.g. Boloso Sore or Damot Gale) to witness the “macho” slaughtering and feeding ceremony that is held in each house.
- Evening: Watch traditional “Bache” dances.
Day 3: Visit and return to nature
- Along with the festival, visit the aforementioned Egezer Bridge or Damota Mountain to complete your trip.