Every year, as the rainy season comes to an end and the sun starts warming the earth, Ethiopians mark several street festivals. Among these street festivals marked in September and October, (the month of Meskerem), the Irreechaa Festival, the Thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people is one.
This annual festival is marked warmly and colorfully among the people of Oromo gathering around the river banks and the shores of lakes or trees to offer thanks to (Waaqa), the Creator for all His bounty; and pray for peace and a bright year.
And today, hundreds of thousands of Oromo people adorned with their colorful traditional clothes and holding green grass and Adey Abeba, a flowering plant native to Ethiopia that symbolizes the end of the rainy season and the start of the bright season, are celebrating Irreechaa at Addis Ababa, Hora Finfine. They are paying tribute to the Creature and praying for the year to be filled with love, peace, and prosperity.
As part of this year’s Irreechaa celebration, the 6th Irreechaa Peace Forum was also carried out at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, in the capital Addis Ababa, under the theme “Irreechaa for the Renaissance of our culture”.
In his remark, Oromia State President Shimelsi Abdisa said that Irreechaa is a festival in which people give thanks to the Creator; and an event where all people participate without discrimination as well as the unity of people further strengthened.
Irreechaa is a celebration of gratitude, peace, forgiveness, solidarity, and brotherhood as well as cultural values. He also expressed his gratitude to the Abbaa Gedaas, and Haadha Siinqees who have kept the Irreechaa festival and the festival goes beyond the Oromo people and to become a celebration of all Ethiopians.
Mentioning that efforts are being made to preserve the traditional values of the State and pass them on to future generations, he said that the Geda system is being included in the education system of the State to help create a generation that respects the culture. Similarly, many schools were built by volunteers to use culture for development activities.
He also pointed out that traditional court services are widely exercised in the State and the people’s culture of supporting each other is getting stronger.
In her social media page, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie also said that Irreecha has now become a tourism attraction and a source of income for the city and country, going beyond its cultural significance.
“As our country, Ethiopia is a diverse country with multiple public cultural, and religious values, these festivals play an important role in strengthening unity, love, and cooperation among people. As a result, Irreechaa is being celebrated as a festival of peace, reconciliation, unity, togetherness, and brotherhood.
Stating that Irreechaa is one of the pillars of the Gedaa System, it is a symbol of gratitude, peace, and brotherhood, where the Oromo people renew their relationship with the creator, nature, and all people since ancient times. In Irreechaa, those people who are apart get together, and those who have differences and aggression will be reconciled, the Mayor added.
Even though the Hora Finfine Irreechaa Festival had been suspended for many years, it has returned to its old place of celebration and started to be celebrated by all the people with a spirit of brotherhood. This year marks the 6th anniversary of Irreechaa since it started to be celebrated at Hora Finfine.
“These days, Irreechaa, beyond its traditional event, has become a tourism attraction and a source of income for our city and country, Mayor Adanech reiterated.
The Mayor also extended her congratulatory message on the 2017 E.C. Irreechaa Festival. “Addis Ababa, the home of all Ethiopians, is welcoming local and foreign guests coming to our city to attend the celebration. Dear residents of Addis Ababa City, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you on behalf of the City Administration for the hospitality you are doing to welcome guests,” she remarked.
Oromia State Sport and Culture Bureau Head Jemila Sinbiru said that Irreechaa is the symbol of unity and peace because it brings people of different backgrounds- ethnicity, culture, norms language, and religion- together.
“Efforts are underway to register Irreechaa at UNESCO, we would like to invite everyone to join us in making it,” she underlined.
At the opening of the forum, various artworks that depict the culture of Irreechaa were staged. Including Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe, House of People’s Representatives Deputy Speaker, Lomi Bedo, Oromia State President Shimelis Abdisa, and Addis Ababa City Council Speaker, Buzena Alkedir, the forum was attended by various high-level government officials, diplomats, religious fathers, Abbaa Gedaas, Haadha Siinqees and residents of the city.
In an exclusive interview with Prof. Tesema Ta’a a seasoned History Instructor at Addis Ababa University said that celebrating Irreechaa as per its values helps to ensure and foster values and peace.
Irreechaa Festival is a wonderful cultural festival in which a huge number of people come together. It has deep historical roots and intertwines with the cultural and spiritual identity of the Oromo people. Understanding its origins provides insight into its significance and the values it embodies. According to him, the origin of the celebration of Irreechaa is not yet clearly known, but it is regarded as one significant stage that unites the people.
He underlined through the Irreechaa celebration, the Oromo people cement ethical moral values like preserving the peace and unity of the society. The venue plays an important role in handing over century-old values to posterity. Irreechaa holds profound significance as a symbol of peace and unity. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage through its rituals, communal gatherings, and expressions of gratitude, Irreechaa fosters a spirit of harmony and collective identity among the Oromo people.
This event not only honors the connection between the Oromo people and their land; but also serves as a vital platform for instilling important values in future generations as well as how the people co-exist in harmony with other ethnic groups.
According to him, Irreecha plays a crucial role in preserving the Oromo cultural identity. Through songs, dances, and rituals, participants celebrate their history and traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among the youth.
The festival brings together people from various backgrounds, promoting unity and solidarity. This collective celebration reinforces the values of cooperation, mutual respect, and understanding, which are essential in a diverse society.
Elders share stories and teachings during Irreechaa, instilling moral and ethical values in younger generations. This transmission of knowledge is vital for maintaining cultural continuity and ensuring that future generations uphold these values.
He further noted that it is an instrumental in resolving conflicts. Irreecha serves as a peaceful gathering where grievances can be discussed and resolved. The emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation during the festival helps to build bridges between communities and mitigate conflicts.
The festival is a reminder of resilience and hope. It encourages participants to focus on positive futures, fostering an environment where peace can flourish. This message is particularly important in regions facing social or political tensions.
The continued celebration of Irreecha will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in passing down essential values to posterity and nurturing a peaceful society. Irreecha is a vibrant and deeply meaningful festival celebrated by the Oromo people, marking a time of thanksgiving and reflection. Traditionally held at the end of the rainy season, Irreecha symbolizes gratitude to the Creator for the blessings of nature, including the land, water, and harvest. Beyond its sociocultural significance, the celebration serves as a profound expression of Oromo identity, culture, and unity.
Irreecha embodies the values of community, resilience, and hope, fostering a sense of belonging among participants. It is a time for communal gatherings, where individuals come together to honor their heritage, share stories, and engage in traditional songs and dances. The festival also promotes peace and reconciliation, providing an opportunity for dialogue and healing within communities.
In an ever-changing world, the celebration of Irreecha plays a crucial role in preserving cultural traditions and instilling pride in the younger generation. As the Oromo people gather to celebrate this rich heritage, they reaffirm their connection to the past while looking forward to a harmonious future.
Tomorrow, Sunday, October 6, Irreecha will be celebrated warmly at Hora Arsedi, Bishoftu.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian Herald October 6/2024
