(Melbourne, 21 Maya 2023) Melbourne Oromo community celebrates Irreecha Arfaasaa Festival at Dandenong Hill today.

A few minutes of remembrance was held for the victims of the Irreecha Birraa festival in 2016.

On October, 2, 2016 the TPLF regime opened fire indiscriminately on crowds celebrating Irrecha and killing at least 700 people.

In particular, the late Haji Biiftuu Fayyisaa, who passed away yesterday, was also commemorated.

A memorial service was also held for the teachers of Madda Walaabu University who died in a car accident on May 20, 2023.

Oromo fathers, mothers, youths and children dressed in traditional Oromo clothes and holding wet grass also celebrated under a large tree on the hill.

Irreecha is a strong and rich Oromo cultural identity and Oromo wherever they are should strengthen this culture.

The festival started with the blessing of the elders.