Oromo Communities Worldwide Unite to Welcome 2026 with “Amajjii Day” Celebrations

Melbourne – On Thursday, January 1st, 2026, Oromo communities across the globe will come together for a unique and culturally significant dual celebration. This day marks not only the universal New Year but also the Oromo cultural observance of Guyyaa Amajjii, the first day of the month of Amajjii in the traditional Oromo calendar.

The synchronized celebration highlights the enduring strength and vibrancy of Oromo culture in the diaspora. From Minneapolis and Toronto to Melbourne and Nairobi, community centers and gathering halls are preparing to host events that weave together festive New Year’s hope with deep-rooted Oromo traditions.

A Day of Reflection and Renewal

Guyyaa Amajjii is more than a date; it is a day of planning, counsel, and renewal within the Oromo worldview. It is a traditional time for communities and families to gather, offer guidance to the youth, discuss communal well-being, and set intentions for the month and season ahead. By merging this observance with the global New Year, organizers aim to foster a powerful moment of collective reflection and forward-looking aspiration for the Oromo people everywhere.

Celebrating Heritage and Future

The events, organized by local Oromo community associations, are expected to feature a rich tapestry of activities:

• Traditional Oromo music and dance performances.
• Poetry recitals and storytelling, emphasizing the values of peace and community.
• Speeches from elders and youth, bridging generations.
• Communal meals, symbolizing unity and shared blessing.

“The simultaneous celebration of our New Year and our traditional Amajjii Day is a beautiful symbol of who we are,” said one community organizer. “We carry our ancient Gadaa principles with us into the future, no matter where we are in the world. This day is about honoring our past, assessing our present, and stepping into 2026 with collective strength and clear purpose.”

A Global Tapestry

Major celebrations are planned in cities with significant Oromo diaspora populations, including but not limited to:

• Minneapolis/St. Paul, USA
• Toronto, Canada
• Melbourne, Australia
• London, UK
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Stockholm, Sweden

This global, coordinated observance serves as a testament to the unbroken chain of Oromo identity and the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while actively engaging with the modern world.

About the Oromo People:
The Oromo are one of the largest ethnic groups in East Africa, primarily inhabiting Oromia in Ethiopia, with significant populations in Kenya and a global diaspora. Their traditional governance system, the Gadaa system, is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.