KEYIR NEWS - The capital, Addis Ababa, was transformed into a vibrant sea of color and celebration as thousands of people gathered at Hora Finfinne to mark the annual Irreecha Festival, a centuries-old thanksgiving ceremony cherished by the Oromo people.
The festival, rooted in the traditional Waaqeffanna faith, marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new harvest and hope.
Dressed in dazzling cultural attire, participants carried green grass and flowers, symbols of peace, fertility, and gratitude, to the water, where prayers and blessings were offered to Waaqaa (God) for life, peace, and prosperity.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Irreecha for National Leap Forward”, reflecting a growing effort to link cultural heritage with national modern aspirations for unity and development.
Federal and regional officials, including President Taye Atske-Selassie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, extended greetings to mark the occasion, describing Irreecha as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and shared national identity.
In addition to the grand celebration in Addis Ababa, preparations are underway for a second major gathering at Hora Harsede in Bishoftu, traditionally regarded as the spiritual heartland of Irreecha.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Irreecha has become an important event for tourism, cultural diplomacy, and inter-ethnic understanding in Ethiopia.
The festival now attracts visitors from across the country and the diaspora, serving as a reminder of Ethiopia’s diversity and resilience.
As songs, dances, and prayers filled the air, the 2025 Irreecha Festival once again stood as a testament to the Oromo people’s enduring traditions and Ethiopia’s collective hope for renewal and unity.