The Zaffa in the Traditional Wedding

The zaffa is a traditional wedding procession that celebrates the couple’s transition from single to married life. It includes music, dance, rituals, festive expressions, and community participation.
Preparations often begin before the ceremony, with the bride taking part in cleansing and henna rituals, while special clothing, jewellery, and decorations are prepared for the bride and groom. During the celebration, symbolic acts may be performed to bless and protect the couple, varying from one community to another.
The procession is marked by songs, joyful calls, sweets, flowers, and shared celebration. Family members, elders, youth, artists, and craftspeople all contribute to the event, helping preserve its meanings and traditions.
The zaffa strengthens social bonds, hospitality, artistic expression, and community solidarity.

---

The Zaffa in the Traditional Wedding was inscribed in 2025 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Djibouti, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, Somalia, UAE, Comoros.