Joy, Songs, and Selfies: Ethiopians Gather for Irreecha Thanksgiving Festival

Thousands of Oromos and visitors from around the world filled the streets of Addis Ababa and Bishoftu for Ethiopia’s colorful annual thanksgiving celebration.

Tens of thousands of Ethiopians dressed in vibrant traditional attire flooded the streets of Addis Ababa over the weekend to celebrate Irreecha, an ancient Oromo thanksgiving festival. The joyful event, which marks the end of Ethiopia’s main rainy season, has evolved into one of the country’s most important cultural gatherings, symbolizing gratitude, unity, and renewal.

The first day of this year’s Irreecha was held in Addis Ababa on Saturday, followed by celebrations in Bishoftu, a picturesque town located just outside the capital, on Sunday. The festival drew crowds from across Ethiopia and abroad, all eager to take part in a centuries-old ritual that blends spirituality, heritage, and social connection.

A Festival of Gratitude and Renewal

Irreecha, meaning “thanksgiving” in the Oromo language, is traditionally held near sacred bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. Participants gather to thank their creator for the blessings of rain and the return of greenery after months of hardship. Many attendees place freshly cut grass and flowers in water, symbolizing life, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.

Men, women, and children adorned in dazzling outfits and intricate jewelry sing, dance, and share stories throughout the celebration. The air is filled with music, laughter, and rhythmic chants of thanksgiving — a vivid display of cultural pride and joy.

“Irreecha Reflects Our Identity”

For 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid, the festival is more than just a celebration — it’s a powerful expression of Oromo identity. “I’ve been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years,” he told the BBC. “To me, Irreecha represents my identity; it reflects the pride and greatness of my people.”

Like Moata, many young Oromos view the festival as a vital link to their cultural roots, especially in an era of modernization and global migration. For them, Irreecha serves as both a spiritual renewal and a declaration of heritage.

An International Gathering of Joy

The festival’s magnetic atmosphere also attracts visitors from around the world. Among them was Claire, a visitor from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who attended for the second consecutive year. “I came last year — it was so good, so beautiful, I brought my children with me this year,” she said. “It is amazing. Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and say welcome.”

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

The growing number of international visitors reflects how Irreecha has transformed into a global cultural event, celebrating not only Oromo traditions but also Ethiopia’s reputation for hospitality and diversity.

Roots in Faith and Unity

Although Irreecha has its origins in indigenous Oromo spiritual traditions, it is now celebrated by Oromos of all faiths

including Christians and Muslims. The festival has become a symbol of inclusivity, shared values, and community.

Religious and cultural leaders often highlight Irreecha as a model of coexistence and peace, emphasizing gratitude and respect for creation as universal values that transcend belief systems.

From Protest to Peaceful Celebration

A decade ago, Irreecha carried a more political tone, serving as a platform for anti-government protests against perceived marginalization of the Oromo people. In 2016, deadly clashes between protesters and security forces during the festival drew international concern.

However, recent years have seen a remarkable transformation. This year’s celebration unfolded peacefully, with participants focusing on unity and cultural pride. The festival’s renewed emphasis on joy, art, and gratitude has helped restore its original spirit  that of thanksgiving and harmony.

Social Media Breathes New Life into Tradition

The explosion of social media has also played a key role in Irreecha’s growing popularity. Young people increasingly share photos and videos of their colorful outfits, traditional dances, and songs across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

This digital engagement has allowed Irreecha to transcend borders, connecting diaspora communities and introducing global audiences to Oromo culture. For many, posting a selfie or dance video from the festival is now part of the ritual itself  a modern expression of pride rooted in an ancient tradition.

A Celebration of Hope and Harmony

As the sun set over the lakes and rivers of Bishoftu, the sound of singing and laughter filled the air. For those in attendance, Irreecha 2025 was more than a festival it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and unity.

“Every year, Irreecha reminds us that after every rainy season comes renewal,” said one elder. “It’s not just about thanking God for the harvest, but also about celebrating life and peace.”

About The Author