Irreecha Festival: Ethiopia’s Oromo Celebrate Thanksgiving with Music and Selfies
Thousands gather in Addis Ababa for Irreecha, the Oromo thanksgiving festival marking the end of the rainy season, showcasing unity, heritage and hope.
Oromo community marks thanksgiving at end of rainy season
Tens of thousands of participants clad in traditional attire gathered around sacred lakes and rivers in Addis Ababa to celebrate Irreecha, the annual Oromo thanksgiving marking the end of the country’s main rainy season.
Every year, festival-goers thank their creator for the greenery the rains have brought. "I’ve been celebrating Irreecha for nine years," says 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid. "To me, Irreecha represents my identity and reflects the pride of my people."
Cultural showcase of unity and heritage
Men, women, elderly and youth join in a vibrant display of song, dance and storytelling. They place fresh grass and flowers in the water as a symbol of life and hope.
Irreecha now attracts visitors from across Ethiopia and the diaspora. "I came last year—it was so beautiful, I brought my children this time," says Claire from Belfast. "Everyone wants to say hello and welcome you."
Peaceful celebration amid growing attendance
The festival began Saturday in Addis Ababa and continued on Sunday in Bishoftu. Attendance has surged in recent years, fueled by social media shares of colorful outfits, dancing and singing.
Although Irreecha has roots in indigenous faith, it is now observed by most Oromos regardless of religion. Historically a platform for protest over marginalisation, this year’s festival emphasised joy, unity and cultural pride.
Irreecha unites tens of thousands of Oromos in a peaceful thanksgiving festival that blends ancient tradition with modern expression, celebrating cultural identity and community resilience.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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