The Gedeo people's Dararo Be'al festival in Sidama region's Dila town honors peace and love through preserved traditional dances. Regional President Tilahun Kebede called it a dignified cultural treasure. It serves as a New Year greeting and message of hope, forgiveness, and apology.
In Dila town, the Dararo Be'al festival celebrates the Gedeo people's values of peace, love, brotherhood, and sisterhood through traditional practices. Sidama Regional President Tilahun Kebede, speaking at the event, stated: "Dararo Be'al is a great thanksgiving festival where the Gedeo people, following their production calendar, welcome the New Year by dressing up, filled with bright hope, and celebrate with enthusiasm."
He emphasized that the festival preserves and honors these core values in various contexts and conditions. Additionally, the Gedeo community contributes to green development by conserving and protecting nature, as noted by Tilahun. He praised the people for upholding this culture as a foundation for peace-building.
Labor and Skills Minister Muferehat Kamil remarked that Ethiopia, rich in diverse cultures and natural treasures, should promote its assets globally to become Africa's leader. The Gedeo people offer thanks for their harvest, seek forgiveness for past sins through apology, and pray for national peace, unity, and a blessed future.