According to this year study by CORA (the Committee for Oromummaa Renaissance and Advancement) based in Australia, the 2016 Oromian Irreechaa Festival is running  from September 04, 2016 through October 2, 2016.

This national festival is a spectacular show of Oromo cultural, historical and natural beautification in their full glory at the height of the season.

“It has spawned somewhat of a science of knowing just when the blooms will peak and decline, depending on the wind, rain, and sunshine they get,” CORA says.

Five Weeks of Festivities

The Oromo Irreechaa Holiday will offer five weeks of festivities for local and international participants alike. From opening week on Sunday, September 4, 2016 until the closing ceremonies on Sunday, October 2, 2016, weekend days will be filled with different shows and activities, including blessing ceremonies for offspring and girls, youth dances and music, media orientations, public awareness meetings, and Irreechaa celebrations.

One of the highlights of the event is the Awareness Creation Meeting – from the beginning of September to the day of Irreechaa through various methods, such as meeting, singing, and firewood ceremony.

The day of the Irreechaa begins as the colorfully dressed attendees start to assemble holding Irreessaa (fresh, green grass) and Keelloo (daisy) blossom.

Once a sizable number of people are gathered at a common location, a cheerful group of young people take the lead by enthusiastically singing traditional songs and hymns in turns.

After a spectacular and heart-warming cultural display by the energetic youth, organizers announce that it is time to head to Malkaa (the ford) or Horaa (spring water), Tulluu (mountain), where the Irreechaa will be held.

Then, the elders and spiritual leaders take over to wrap up the sacred aspects ofIrreechaa celebration with praises, prayers, and blessings. Visitors enjoy walking together under a sycamore (Odaa) tree and pray for greater reconciliation, peace,finnaa (holistic development), and harmony.

Historical Evidences

This historical Irreechaa celebration was captured 113 years ago- 1903 at Lake Hora, Bishoftu town. Irreechaa is one of the indigenous Oromo culture by which Oromos are getting together to thank their Creator called Waaqaa or God for the reason that He helped them to turn a year.

For a reason that God or Waaqaa transferred them from the rainy and difficult season to a shiny and enjoyable season Oromos are getting together and give their thanks for the Great Lord I .e. Waaqaa or God.

It was then banned and the banning era was ended with the fall down of Mengistu’s regime in 1991

The grandest ceremony is the holiday of the Irreechaa at Hora Harsadii, Bishooftuu, Oromia. This popular enlightening event has been honored extensively by different local and international media and summarized as the “Great Cultural, Historical and Natural Harmony Show to See Before You Die”, and recognized as “the Best Springtime Festival in Oromia.”

The Oromo lrreechaa holiday provides a multitude of amazing creations to explore, as talented artists create in their favorite medium – the cultural dress!

Don’t forget your camera to capture these unique and fantastic cultural celebration.