Irreechaa is a celebration of life, culture and nature. It takes place every year at the end of September or the beginning of October. It is a time to express gratitude to God. Waaqa in Oromo stands for the blessings and mercies received throughout the year. Irreechaa is also a time to pray for peace, prosperity, and harmony in the upcoming seasons.
Irreechaa constitutes the cultural and religious treasury of the Oromo nation. It is one of the greatest pillars of the Oromo identity. It symbolizes the inherent unity and solidarity among the Oromo. Irreechaa is connecting thread of the Oromo nation with other peoples around the globe. It is also becoming one of the eye-catching rituals drawing attention of the ever-growing number of tourists. It is generating income for the country. One of the most striking features of Irreechaa is the colourful display of Oromo cultural clothes that reflect the rich and diverse traditions of the Oromo people.
The exhibition and bazaar have been launched at the Oromo Cultural Center in Addis Ababa on the occasion of the Irreechaa festival. The bazaar and exhibition featured a variety of items including Oromo traditional items and Oromo traditional clothing from all regions of Oromia. The bazaar and exhibition was inaugurated by Vice Presidential Level Social Cluster Coordinator of Oromia, Abdulhakim Muluu.
According to Abdulhakim Muluu the bazaar and exhibition features traditional items used in all sub regions of Oromia. The purpose of the bazaar and exhibition is to bequeath the culture and traditions of the Oromo people for the next generation. He further mentioned that Irreechaa is a symbol of reconciliation and brotherhood and urged the people to participate in the exhibition and bazaar and grasp well the costumes and utensils used by Oromo in socio-economic activities and pass them on to the next generation. The festival is celebrated by all ethnic groups inside and outside the country without any borders, he said.
Speaking at the opening of the occasion, Oromia cultural and tourism head Hussein Feyisso said that Irreechaa festival is celebrated under the values of Geda system without religion and other differences and limitations among the Oromo people. They celebrate to ensure peace, unity and reconciliation. The Irreechaa Bazaar and Exhibitions have high share in promoting Oromo cultural items and costumes he said. Abdulhakim Mulu, Social Cluster Coordination Head with the rank of Deputy Chief Administrator of the State said that the festival has a special contribution in promoting the region’s tourism resources; strengthen unity, cultural sharing and others.
At the Bazaar and Exhibition held at Oromo cultural centre a vibrant scene unfolded in the compound during the Irreechaa week as people flocked to purchase items for their families. Among the shoppers, many were drawn to Oromo traditional clothing stores, particularly in search of Oromo attire.
There are many shops in which Traditional Ethiopian clothes are purchased. Shiro Meda is known as the epicenter of traditional clothing sales, for housing various shops offering Oromo garments reflecting the people’s cultural heritage. But many people choose this bazaar because they get good prices or special clothes. Teruwork Arfasa has over a decade of experience in the business. Speaking about customers’ preferences, she noted they seek new Irreechaa clothing designs blending traditional and modern elements.
Business has been booming over the last week, which marked the peak season for her shop. The surge in customers is linked to the approaching Irreechaa Festival, which is an annual religious thanksgiving celebration among the Oromo people. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry one. Many visitors specifically seek traditional Irreechaa garments for the festival, which involves colourful demonstrations and ceremonial activities in cities across Oromia. The vivid celebration slated for coming weekend in downtown Addis will happen first, and then this will ensue.
Teruwork proudly shares that they offer a range of Irreechaa dresses and women’s accessories made from chelle or beads. The bazar and exhibition showcases contemporary Oromo clothing designs that appeal to modern tastes.
Emebet Belachew has owned Emebet Oromiya Traditional Cloth Shop for a year. She delights in the wide-variety of regional Irreechaa styles available. Customers seek garments representing Harer, Jimma, Welega, Bale and Selale traditions.
As Oromiya’s sub regions have respective distinguishing Irreechaa attires, Emebet ensures orders align with customers’ hometown styles. Most buyers favour modern versions of conventional clothing, she notes. The “Abageda” outfit especially draws interest for its close Irreechaa holiday associations.
Biftu Lemma is also another sellers of Oromo traditional clothes at the Exhibition centre, She shares her passion for selling traditional attires. Having been in the business for many years during different time, she has witnessed a significant increase in customers seeking Irreechaa traditional clothes for the annual festival and other events.
According to her people come from different places of Oromia to purchase traditional garments like ‘boku,’ which is predominantly worn in Borena for celebrations. Additionally, customers often inquire about the Shoa and Welega Irrecha clothing styles they want to wear to properly represent their home regions in the upcoming holiday.”
Megersa Tafa , the supplier of the Oromo traditional fashion designed costumes at the bazar take pride in creating culturally representative attires. He provide not only to local Oromos but also draws in individuals from different regions of Ethiopia exploring their heritages. Foreign tourists also visit to learn about and embrace Oromo culture through clothing at the bazar and exhibition center.
He explains, “We specialize in designing male, female, and children’s clothing inspired by Oromo culture, as well as other Ethiopian traditional garments upon customer request. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people opting to wear modern interpretations of traditional attire not just during holidays but also at weddings and other significant life events like graduations.”
The enduring popularity of traditional Oromo clothing continues to soar amongst younger generations, driven by a creative blend of contemporary silhouettes and cultural pride in their history. As the sellers of the traditional Oromo Clothes at the bazar said , “In the past, options were far more limited for traditional attire. But now, with a colourful multitude of modernized designs and interpretations available, people – especially the youth – have more opportunities to express themselves through their clothing choices and represent their backgrounds proudly.”
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 2023
