(A4O, 06 September  2014) The Oromos are not some secret and mystic society; they are generous, harmonious and connected society who wants to share their unique values with others.

For Oromo, Irreechaa is a good way to pass on cultural knowledge and it helps to build pride in young people and helps them to have confidence when talking with others about their culture and identity. Hence, celebrating Irreechaa means having the confidence that comes from knowing the Oromos have something unique and vital values in their long journey.

For most Oromians, Irreechaa is considered to be the ending of rainy season, and beginning of new fresh life and new aspiration for the future. The Irreechaa is celebrated every year at the beginning of Birraa (the sunny new season after the dark, rainy winter season) throughout Oromia and around the world where Diaspora Oromos live. It has a lot of importance in our community lives. We celebrate Irreechaa to thank Waaqaa (God) for the blessings and mercies we have received throughout the past year at the sacred place.

We celebrate Irreechaa not only to thank Waaqaa (God) also to welcome the new season of plentiful harvests after the dark and rainy winter season associated with nature and creature. On Irreechaa Day, friends, family, and relatives gather together and celebrate with joy and happiness. Irreechaa Day brings people closer to each other and makes social bonds. We also celebrate Irreechaa National Day to follow our tradition and religion in society.

The theme of  Irreechaa 2014  is “Moving Forward: Sacrificing Time for Oromo Identity” in which it aims to encourage every Oromo to  sacrifice time to celebrate Irreechaa festivals to follow our tradition and religion in society, to create public awareness where Oromo cultural and religious issues will be discussed to provide a better understanding of Oromo culture and history, to pave the way for promotion of the Oromo culture, history and lifestyle and to celebrate Irreechaa, a national Thanksgiving Day.

If you want to know what Oromians will usually do during the Irreechaa ceremony, please come to our event that will be held on October 5, 2014 at Footscray Park.

Source: http://waaqeffannaa.org/irreecha/invitation-to-oromo-national-thanksgiving-day/