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Irreechaa Festival 2026: Oromo Thanksgiving

The Irreechaa Festival is a traditional Oromo thanksgiving celebration marking the beginning of the Birraa (spring) season. Held annually at the conclusion of the heavy rains, the event brings millions together to express gratitude to Waaqaa (God) for peace, fertility, and life blessings through symbolic rituals and community prayer.

Date
Oct 3-4, 2026
Location
Addis Ababa
Status
Upcoming
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Irreechaa Festival 2026: Oromo Thanksgiving

Event summary

Highlights

  • Ceremonial grass-dipping rituals at natural water bodies
  • Blessings and prayers led by Aba Gadas and community elders
  • Massive cultural processions in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu
  • Celebration of the transition to the Birraa (spring) season
The 2026 Irreechaa Festival is scheduled to take place over two days, beginning at Hora Finfinnee in Addis Ababa on October 3 and continuing at Hora Harsadii in Bishoftu on October 4. As a central pillar of Oromo cultural heritage, the festival fosters unity and reconciliation among participants from various backgrounds. The celebrations are characterized by large-scale processions where attendees wear traditional clothing and gather near significant water bodies to mark the end of the winter season.

Key ceremonial activities include prayers led by Aba Gadas (traditional leaders) and community elders. A primary ritual involves dipping freshly cut green grass and flowers into the water and sprinkling it as a gesture of blessing and gratitude. These acts symbolize the transition into the new season and the community's collective hope for prosperity and peace in the coming year.

Practical details

Location described by the source
Hora Finfinnee
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Area for browsing nearby events
Addis Ababa

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Location map

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