By Maatii Sabaa

Irreechaa is the Oromo people’s annual Thanksgiving festival, a celebration of gratitude marking the end of the rainy season and the arrival of Birraa (spring). It is deeply rooted in Oromo spiritual tradition and is dedicated to thanking Waaqa (God) for blessings received over the past year, and asking for peace and mercy in the upcoming season.[1][3]

Irreechaa Festival’s Meaning and Traditions

Irreechaa reflects the collective identity and unity of the Oromo community, reviving ancient cultural rituals and fostering social harmony. Traditionally, the festival is held at sacred lakes, rivers, or mountain locations. Participants come with fresh green grass and flowers, symbolizing fertility, renewal, and flourishing life. At the festival grounds, elders lead prayers and blessings, and people immerse or sprinkle water over themselves as a sign of purification and gratitude.[3][7][1]

Celebration by Australian Oromo Communities

In Australia, Oromo communities actively celebrate Irreechaa to preserve and strengthen their cultural identity, especially in major cities like Melbourne. The celebrations typically start with blessings and prayers led by elders, invoking peace, mercy, and remembering Oromo martyrs and those who helped sustain the tradition. These events feature communal prayer, cultural songs and dances, sharing traditional foods, and symbolic rituals such as offering green grass and flowers. Australian celebrations may take place in parks and natural spots that evoke the riverbanks or lakes central to Irreechaa rituals, like the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) in Melbourne.[2]

In recent years, the festival’s organization has emphasized family participation, remembrance for those who suffered or sacrificed for Oromo culture, and adaptation to local circumstances, sometimes in smaller family units especially during pandemic restrictions. Attendees are encouraged to observe public health guidance while upholding the spirit of gratitude, unity, and peace that defines Irreechaa.[2]

Diaspora Role in Cultural Continuity

For diaspora Oromos, Irreechaa in Australia is vital for maintaining connections to homeland traditions, fostering youth awareness of their heritage, and building community solidarity. The festival serves as a model for intergenerational learning and allows the younger generation to understand and embrace their Oromo identity.[4][2]

In summary, Irreechaa in Australia blends traditional rituals with new expressions suited to local environments, remaining a vibrant anchor of Oromo culture for the community abroad.[4][2]

Sources

[1] Irreechaa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irreechaa

[2] Australian Oromo Community Celebrates Irreechaa Arfaasaa. https://advocacy4oromia.org/…/australian-oromo…/

[3] What is Irreechaa? https://advocacy4oromia.org/what-is-irreechaa/

[4] Irreechaa Festival: Celebrating Oromo Culture in Melbourne https://oromedia.org/…/irreechaa-festival-celebrating…/

[5] What is Irrecha about? : r/Ethiopia https://www.reddit.com/…/171r4ak/what_is_irrecha_about/

[6] Irreechaa: A Celebration of Unity and Gratitude Henok … https://www.facebook.com/direkukulu/posts/-irreechaa-a-celebration-of-unity-and-gratitude-henok-kidane-october-3-2025irree/1099445842358416/

[7] Oromia’s Irreecha Festival – A Revival of an Ancient African … http://www.waaqeffannaa.com/…/oromias-irreecha…/

[8] Selfies and singing as Ethiopians celebrate thanksgiving https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6399enj39o

[9] Thousands celebrate Ethiopia’s thanksgiving festival https://apnews.com/…/ethiopia-thanksgiving-irreecha…

[10] The Australian Oromo community celebrate irreechaa; … https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjQK9p1Ap6v/