(A4O, 29 September 2025) Irreechaa celebrations in Melbourne have become a notable expression of Oromo culture, bringing the local Oromo diaspora together to honor traditional values and strengthen communal bonds.

The festival typically features blessings by elders, cultural performances, music, dancing, and communal meals, all designed to replicate the spiritual essence of Irreechaa as celebrated in Oromia.

Festival Highlights in Melbourne

– The celebration is usually held at riversides or parks—often at the iconic Wilson Botanical Garden—to maintain the symbolic tradition of giving thanks to Waaqa (God) by water.

– Community leaders and elders lead the prayers and blessings, paying homage to nature and ancestral wisdom.

– Attendees wear traditional Oromo clothing, display cultural ornaments, and use symbolic colors such as black, red, and white.

– Music, and dances (including Siiqqee and Gumii) are performed to educate and entertain both the Oromo community and local Australians.

Purpose and Impact

– The event fosters Oromo cultural identity and unity among diaspora members.

– It serves as a platform for educating younger generations about heritage and traditions, helping them maintain a connection to their roots.

– Many celebrations invite local government officials, multicultural organizations, and curious residents, encouraging mutual respect and intercultural exchange.

Growth and Community Engagement

– Participation has steadily grown, with increased efforts by local Oromo associations to expand outreach and inclusivity.

– Social media and diaspora networks play a crucial role in organizing, publicizing, and preserving the festival’s traditions, even reaching Oromo youth who may be distant from their homeland.

Irreechaa in Melbourne embodies both cultural pride and adaptation, allowing the Oromo community to sustain meaningful traditions while building bridges with the wider Australian society.

Participants took memorable photos with family, friends and each other and shared them on social media.

All those who participated in this celebration filled with love and respect are saying that they remember it with joy.

Irreechaa is a festival of wisdom that Oromo have contributed to the world community, which promotes gratitude, peace, reconciliation, hope, life, social harmony, community bonds, connection, mutual assistance, sharing, harmony and morality.