HAWASSA– Sidama People have colorfully celebrated Fichee– Chambalaalla, a traditional new year’s feast.
The celebration took place yesterday in a neighborhood called Gudumalle, near Hawassa in the presence of senior government officials, representatives of various nations, nationalities and peoples from neighboring zonal and regional administrations.
Fiche Chambalala is one of the intangible heritages of Ethiopia registered by United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO). This cultural festival will be celebrated for two weeks in different woredas of Sidama zone and other parts of the country.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hirut Kassaw (PhD)–Southern Nations, Nationalities, Peoples State President Million Mathewos, and Oromia State Vice President, Shimelis Abdissa – attended the ceremony.
Hirut said on the occasion that Fiche-Chambalaalla belongs not only for Sidama people but it is also a national pride as it is an intangible heritage which Sidama people contributed to the world.
She said all Ethiopians have to protect this big national and international heritage and hand over to the next generation just as our ancestors did.
“Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaborating with concerned bodies is working to protect tangible and intangible heritages of the country,” she added.
For his part, SNNP State President Million Mathewos, said celebrating such festivals together has a great value to strengthen the relationship of peoples of the country, to him.
He further urged Sidama people to celebrate Irrecha, the traditional thanksgiving festival of Oromo people, with their Oromo brothers and sisters.
Oromia State Vice President Shimelis Abdissa, on his part expressed that Fichee–Chambalaalla promotes unity, love, tolerance and mutual respect among people.
“During Fichee – Chambalaalla Sidama people do not kill or hunt animals and do not even fell trees. They give high respect for animals and the environment. This demonstrates the highest level of the civilization of Sidama people”, he indicated.
He also invited the Sidama peoples to celebrate the upcoming Irrecha festival with their Oromo brothers and sisters.
The Ethiopian Herald June 1/2019
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
