In brief
The Irreecha festival saw tens of thousands of participants, especially from the Oromo community, celebrating the end of the rainy season with songs, dances, and picturesque settings in Addis Ababa. This year’s festival highlighted joy, unity, and cultural identity, focusing on gratitude and the beauty of nature. Attendees included both locals and people flying in from various parts of the world, showcasing a growing global interest in this traditional celebration.
Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed Ethiopians descended on downtown Addis Ababa for an annual thanksgiving festival this weekend.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and takes place at the end of the country's main rainy season.
Each year, festival-goers gather around sacred rivers and lakes to thank their creators for the greenery that the rains have brought. 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid expressed: I've been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years. To me, Irreecha represents my identity, it reflects the pride and greatness of my people. The festival emphasizes joy and unity with attendees adorned in eye-catching clothing.
Attendees not only celebrated the local culture but also included visitors from around the globe, all experiencing the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality. Claire from Belfast noted, It is amazing. Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and say welcome. The festival continued with music, storytelling, and symbolism of life, renewal, and hope.
Irreecha has evolved as a peaceful celebration of Oromo identity and cultural pride, with this year's event marked by unity and a focus on communal joy.
