Somalia’s Traditional Wedding Procession ‘Zaffa’ Earns UNESCO Heritage Status

By Asha Elmi - Reporter

India, 11 December 2025 — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Somali traditional wedding procession, known as “Zaffa,” to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The nomination was jointly submitted by Djibouti, Comoros, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, and Somalia, and approved during UNESCO’s 20th session of the Executive Board in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The Zaffa marks a couple’s transition from single to married life and involves music, dance, rituals, and festive gatherings. Preparations begin days in advance: the bride undergoes cleansing rituals and applies henna, while special clothes, jewelry, and other adornments are prepared for both the bride and groom.

During the ceremony, symbolic acts are performed to bless and protect the couple. These vary across communities and may include drinking milk, cracking an egg, or wearing a relative’s cape.

In Somali culture, on the night of the Zaffa, the bride is specially decorated according to tradition, including hairstyles, ceremonial markings, and perfumes.

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The procession itself usually takes the form of a walking procession or a convoy of decorated vehicles accompanied by music, traditional songs, and cheering. Historically, it was performed on foot or with horses and donkeys; in modern urban settings, decorated cars are more common.

Upon arrival at the groom’s home, the couple is warmly received by his family and guests. Rituals and prayers may be performed to bless the household and ensure a harmonious married life.

The Zaffa is Somalia’s second cultural practice to be inscribed on UNESCO’s list, following the registration of Xeer Ciise last year.

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