Irreecha

Irreecha – Oromo Thanksgiving 

Irreecha is the thanksgiving holiday of the Oromo people, celebrated at the start of Birraa (spring) after the rainy season ends. It is a time to express gratitude to Waaqa (God) for the blessings and mercies of the past year. The main celebrations take place in Addis Ababa (Hora Finfinne) and Bishoftu (Hora Harsadi). During the festivities, participants immerse freshly cut green grass and flowers in the lakes/rivers where the ceremonies occur and sprinkle the water on themselves as part of the ritual. In addition to giving thanks to God, Irreecha also marks the arrival of a season of abundance and harvests. It is also a joyful occasion for friends, family, and relatives to come together and celebrate with happiness and unity.

Dates: October 3-4, 2026

Venue: Addis Ababa, Bishoftu and other places in Oromia