Festivals are capable of building common ground and fostering unity among diverse people who come from different backgrounds.
Experts from social sciences say festivals are real platforms that could provide an opportunity for groups of people to come together and celebrate their shared heritages and values as well as promote mutual understanding among them.
Festivals offer a prospective platform for different ethnic groups to showcase their cultural practices, traditional attire, their unique traditional foods and beverages as well as music and dance, It is believed through these cultural exchanges people from different backgrounds could learn about the tradition of other ethnic group, appreciate the richness and diversity and look for an opportunity to garner economic benefits.
What is more, festivals promote understanding and strengthen the sense of a shared cultural identity.
On the coming Saturday and Sunday, Irrecha, the Thanksgiving festival of Oromo people which is the pride of Oromo people will be celebrated in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu and warmly and colorfully. According to a briefing by Oromia State Communication Bureau and Oromia State Culture and Tourism Bureau to media practitioners, preparation is underway to celebrate the Irreecha as per the values of festival and in a manner strengthening unity and fraternity among the people.
Oromia State Communication Head, Hailu Adugna said that the owners of all festivals, be it cultural or religious holidays, are the people. No one has the right to violate the rights of the people or underestimate the cultural and religious practices in any form. The government is in charge of safeguarding the rights of people to let citizens exercise the festivals peacefully; as well as free from any form of interference.
He pointed out that, this year the Irreecha festival will be celebrated under the motto “Irreecha is the Emblem of Unity and Fraternity” all over Oromia State and other parts of the nation.
The celebration has both religious and cultural importance in strengthening unity and reconciliation as well as a sense of a shared cultural identity among the various ethnic groups.
“Celebrating such traditional and religious festivals is part of the government’s social and development plans to practice in all parts of Ethiopia.”
The Bureau acknowledges that all of Ethiopia’s festivals can bring people together and build unity and fraternity between and among Ethiopia’s nations and nationalities.
Ethiopia is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural traditions, languages, and identities celebrating several festivals as per the values and norms of the culture.
The celebrations of festivals and religious days are a testimony to the unity and togetherness of the people of Ethiopia because everyone is welcomed regardless of any background- gender, religion or ethnic background.
He also called on pertinent stakeholders to preserve this colorful heritage as well as pass it to the next generation with the mindset to benefit the coming generation as it is pivotal in reinforcing the unity and solidarity of the people because as the saying goes united we stand divided we fall.
People who may come from other parts of Ethiopia and individuals should demonstrate the value of unity and fraternity in the Irreecha celebrations.
All actions have the potential to inspire others to follow suit. In turn, it also creates a ripple effect, leading to a more cohesive and inclusive society for the benefit of all.
That is why the Bureau is keen on advocating unity and fraternity and sets a positive example for future generations through the festivals.
Irreecha is fit to build fraternity and unity among the peoples of Ethiopia because all celebration goers have the right to come together regardless of political, gender and ethnic identity.
Simply Irreecha festival celebration is the day of the Oromo people Thanksgiving Day for the almighty held in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu town in colorful fashion. This annual celebration attracts from six to seven million people from all parts of the nation and neighboring countries like Kenya.
“We are working to boost the Irreecha celebration to generate substantial economic benefits and help to conserve the cultural assets and traditions. In my view, residents in respective areas from higher standard hotels to shoe shiner should benefit.”
Oromia State Culture and Tourism Bureau Deputy Head Birhanu Butte for his part said that preparations are underway along with pertinent stakeholders in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu town as well as public and private institutions in Sheger sub-cities to make the celebration peaceful and free from any kind of political and other interests.
Irreecha is a pure Oromo people’s culture that brings millions of people from all parts of Ethiopia and beyond together. The Bureau is working to build a common ground, the spirit of unity and fraternity among the people of Ethiopia and boost tourism.
As Irreecha lets people come together it creates connection and when people feel connected to others it positively impacts their overall well-being.
The Bureau holds that Irreecha could create an environment where individuals can thrive, and express themselves as per their identity, in a peaceful fashion.
Festivals can be powerful tools for nation-building, economic growth, and boosting tourism. When organized effectively, festivals can showcase a nation’s cultural heritages, attract visitors from both domestic and international markets, and stimulate economic activities.
Incognizant of the benefits of the Irreecha celebration, it will be celebrated in areas apart from in Addis Ababa Administration and Oromia State such as in Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz colorfully.
“We urge respective states to join the Irreecha celebration willingly. The celebrations of Irreecha in these two states signify that Irreecha can promote unity and fraternity.
Irreecha has the potential to be registered by UNESCO and efforts are underway to impart and document the value of the festival in a more organized fashion in a bid to open the door for the UNESCO heritage registration process.
The Bureau holds the great role that the media has in communicating the general public to practice the festival as per the values. This helps celebrate it in a productive fashion, boost tourism and create jobs.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER 2023
