Irreechaa
Irreecha (also called Irreessa or Dhibaayyuu), is thanksgiving holiday celebrating the end of the winter in Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
The Oromo people celebrate Irreecha to thank Waaqa (God) for the blessings and mercies they have received throughout the previous year.
The Irreecha festival is celebrated every year at the beginning of Birraa (Spring), new season after the dark and rainy winter season. It is attended by hundreds of thousands people. The thanksgiving is celebrated at sacred lakes across Oromia and Hora Harsadi, Bishoftu, Oromia as a whole.
Once at the lake, festival-goers immerse freshly cut green grass and the flowers they are carrying and sprinkle themselves and place in water.
This year’s Irreechaa festival will be celebrated on September 21 and 22 2015 E.C. (October 1 and 2, 2022).
This year’s Irecha festival will be celebrated in Addis Ababa on September 21st at Hora Finfine and Bischoftu on September 22nd at Hora Harsedi (October 1 and 2, 2022 respectively).
Abagadas have made a statement in Adama regarding this year’s Irecha celebration. They called on everyone to come together and celebrate the festival in a peaceful way.
As the festival belongs to the people, only the flag belonging to the Geda should be carried and no other flag can be carried, the Abagades said. They wished the festival to be one of peace, solidarity and love.
EBC
