ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Ethiopia is a good example for African countries relating to extending appreciation to one another’s culture, show love to one another’s cultures, and honor one another paving the way for a United Africa, said Naledi Roos, a visitor from London.
The Irreechaa festival which is celebrated by the Oromo people in Ethiopia every year, is a vibrant and culturally rich event that attracts Oromo origin of Ethiopian Diaspora from around the world and tourists.
Marking the end of the rainy season, Irreechaa is a time of gratitude, renewal, and community celebration.
Visitors can experience the colorful traditional music, dance, and attire, and what have you against the striking stunning landscapes of Ethiopia, often near lakes.
The festival manifests unity and cultural heritage, drawing a large crowd of people together in a spirit of love, chanting, joy and festivity.
Tourists will also have the opportunity to explore cultural beauty, attire, chanting and rich heritages of Ethiopia.
Hence, the Irreechaa festival offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore Ethiopia’s Oromo rich traditions.
Naledi Roos who came from London to celebrate Irreecha said “, I arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday , Ethiopia, all the way from Londonto visit Addis Ababa and participate at the beautiful Irreechaa festival.”
This is my first visit to Ethiopia, and I feel deeply honored to be part of this experience, she stated.
She added that from the moment I set foot in this beautiful city, I have been overwhelmed with joy and awe.
“Since I stepped in, I have just been amazed, in awe, wonderful, seeing everybody in their traditional clothes, hearing the wonderful songs and understanding some of the histories of the meaning behind the festival, how important it is to the people, how much hope and joy it brings to the people,”she elaborated.
Noting the warmth and kindness of the Ethiopian people is amazing, she said that they are incredibly humble and welcoming, making me feel right at home.
Roos participated recently at the 6th Irreechaa Peace Forum held under the theme: “Irreechaa: for Our Culture Renaissance,” at the Adwa Victory Memorial.
“Being here at the festival today, I have learned much. I have seen so many amazing things. Just the unity, the togetherness of the people, is so important.”
“I think Ethiopia is a good example for the rest of African countries on how to appreciate one another, love one another’s cultures, and honor one another, moving forward as United Africa,” she said.
Moreover, Roos added that Ethiopia manifests the beauty of unity in diversity.
Therefore, she stated that it’s crucial for people from other African countries to see how Ethiopians relate to one another within their tribes, to relate to other African countries and peoples.
“Ethiopians are very welcoming, very loving and every African should come and experience such beautiful and wonderful energy,” she said.
The celebrations of Irreechaa took place yesterday at Hora Finfine in Addis Ababa, followed by Hora Arsedi in Bishoftu today.
The Ethiopian Herald October 6/2024
