Irreechaa, the Oromo people Thanksgiving Day is an annually celebrated festival where millions of people gather at Hora Finfine in Addis Ababa and Hora Arsede in Bishoftu. This year’s Irreechaa festival is set to be celebrated on October 5, in Addis Ababa and October 6, in Bishoftu.
Irreechaa rooted in Gadaa system:Hailu Adugna
Irreechaa, a Thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people, rooted in the Gadaa system, maintains national unity, reconciliation and solidarity. Irreechaa is celebrated based on the key aspects of the Gadaa systems of national unity, reconciliation and solidarity.
This year’s Irreechaa festival will be celebrated with a colorful ceremony on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 06, 2024 at Hora Finfine in Addis Ababa, followed by Hora Arsede in Bishoftu city.
Hailu Adugna, Head of Oromia Communication Bureau
Irreechaa fosters social cohesion and unity: Hirtu Kassaw
Irreechaa, a significant cultural event for the Oromo people is one of Ethiopia’s largest outdoor celebrations, marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest. Irreechaa is a prominent occasion that not only showcases Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage but also contributes to the growth of local tourism, further positioning Addis Ababa as a major tourist destination
Addis Ababa is fully prepared to host Irreechaa.
Irreechaa fosters social cohesion and unity among the Oromo people and beyond, serving as a cultural platform to express values of thanksgiving, forgiveness, peace, and love. The festival also has an economic dimension, connecting communities and promoting local businesses.
Hirut Kassaw (PhD), Addis Ababa Culture, Art, and Tourism Bureau head
Irreechaa preaches peace, harmony: Abba Gadaa Abdurazak
Irreechaa brings together people to thank the Creator for guiding them through the challenging winter months. The people seek forgiveness with pure hearts, embracing the spirit of renewal and gratitude that Irreechaa embodies during the festival.
Irreechaa is a festival where peace is preached so that the year will be one of peace, love, success and prosperity. It promotes reconciliation and living in harmony.
Abba Gadaa Abdurazaq Ahmed, Secretary of Oromo Abba Gadaa Union
Irreechaa preaches peace, brotherhood, forgiveness: Oromia Tourism head
Irreechaa is a festival of unity, love and togetherness. It is a festival to thank the Creator for the peaceful end of the winter season and beginning of sunny season. Irreechaa festival promotes values of gratitude, solidarity, love, peace, unity, brotherhood and forgiveness.
Reconciliation and forgiveness are the core values of Irreechaa festival. During the Irreechaa festival, friends, family, and relatives come together to celebrate with joy, strengthening social bonds. Preaching political agenda and support/opposition of any political party on the festival is totally forbidden.
Jamila Simbiru, head of Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau
Irreechaa promotes social peace and stability: Abba Gadaa Dechasa
Irreechaa is a festival that reflects the unity and beauty of nations, nationalities, and peoples.
One of the key aspects that make Irreechaa a festival of peace is its ability to foster reconciliation among those in conflict, instilling love to prevail among humanity. The festival has significant contribution to promote peace and stability within society.
This festival represents humanity’s submission to the natural laws that govern the relationship between individuals, their Creator, and the world around them.
Abba Gadaa Dechasa Wedajo
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2024
