Melbourne Oromo Community to Celebrate Irreecha Arfaasaa on April 26 with Warmth, Beauty, and a Call for Cultural and Environmental Renewal

MELBOURNE, Australia – The Oromo community in Melbourne is preparing to celebrate Irreecha Arfaasaa, the annual thanksgiving festival rooted in Oromo tradition, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with warmth, beauty, and profound cultural significance.

The event will be held at Dandenong Mountain (Tulluu Dandenong) and, according to organizers, will follow traditional Oromo customs — beginning with the blessing of elders. Community members have been called upon to attend adorned in traditional Oromo attire, adding vibrant color, dignity, and cultural pride to the occasion.

A Festival of Gratitude and Renewal

Irreecha is traditionally a time of gratitude, spiritual renewal, and connection with nature. It is one of the most cherished celebrations in Oromo culture, marking the beginning of the spring season and expressing thanks to Waaqaa (God/Creator) for the blessings of life, rain, and harvest.

This year’s gathering in Melbourne carries special significance, as organizers emphasize not only the joy of celebration but also the responsibility to protect both the environment and Oromo cultural heritage.

A Call for Environmental Protection and Cultural Growth

Organizers have repeatedly reminded participants that as the community observes Irreecha Arfaasaa, strengthening the protection of our environment and ensuring that Oromo culture continues to flourish are essential commitments.

“When we celebrate Irreecha, we are not only giving thanks — we are also reminded of our duty to protect nature and to pass our traditions to the next generation,” one organizer stated.

The community has been urged to respect the natural surroundings of Dandenong Mountain, to leave no waste behind, and to celebrate in a manner that reflects the core Oromo values of damboobummaa (cultural ethics) and naamusa lammummaa (civic dignity) .

Traditional Attire and Community Unity

A special call has been made for all attendees to wear traditional Oromo clothing. Organizers believe that seeing the community gathered in cultural dress will serve as a powerful visual statement of identity, resilience, and pride — especially for younger generations growing up in the diaspora.

“When we wear our traditional attire together at Tulluu Dandenong, we are telling the world: Oromo culture is alive, it is beautiful, and it is growing stronger every day.”

Event Details

A Lasting Message

As the Melbourne Oromo community prepares to gather in thanksgiving, the message remains clear:

“Irreecha Arfaasaa is a time to come together — to give thanks, to protect our environment, and to ensure that Oromo culture grows ever stronger, both at home and in the diaspora.”

Organizers have extended a warm invitation to all Oromo community members, friends, and supporters of Oromo culture to join the celebration.

Lest we forget — and let Irreecha renew us all.

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