(ONA, Edmonton, 19 September 2026) The Oromo community in Edmonton, Canada, came together in joyous celebration of Irreecha Malkaa – Edmonton, honoring their cherished cultural festival with traditional attire, symbolic greenery, and messages of renewal, peace, and hope.

The celebration, held with great warmth and enthusiasm, saw community members adorned in beautifully decorated traditional Oromo clothing, proudly displaying the cultural heritage that binds them together across generations and continents. Participants carried fresh green grass and blooming flowers — the treasured symbols of Irreecha — bringing the essence of the ancestral festival to life in the heart of Canada.

A Message of Renewal and Growth

At the heart of the gathering was the exchange of heartfelt blessings marking the transition from the rainy season to spring. Community members greeted one another with the beloved Irreecha salutation:

“Baga bacaqii gannaa keessaa baatanii booqaa birraa geessan!” — congratulations on emerging from the rains and reaching the blossoming of spring — a message that carries profound meaning of renewal, resilience, and hope for growth and prosperity in the year ahead.

Prayers for Peace, Unity, and New Hope

Beyond the colorful attire and ceremonial symbols, participants shared prayers and good wishes for the community and the wider world:

“Irreechi nagaa, tokkummaa, galata, jaalalaafi abdii haaraa nuuf haa fidu,” they declared — may Irreecha bring us peace, unity, gratitude, love, and new hope.

The message resonated deeply among those gathered, reinforcing the festival’s enduring role as a source of spiritual strength and communal solidarity.

A Celebration of Oromo Identity in the Diaspora

The Edmonton celebration stands as part of a broader global observance of Irreecha by Oromo communities worldwide. Far from their homeland, diaspora communities continue to preserve and nurture their traditions, passing them to new generations and sharing the beauty of Oromo culture with the wider Canadian society.

The vibrant colors of the Oromo flag — green, red, and white — adorned the celebration, and the sounds of traditional songs and blessings echoed through the gathering, creating a space of belonging and pride for all who attended.

A Blessing for All Oromo People

As the celebration concluded, one message rang out clearly for Oromo people everywhere:

“Baga Ayyaana Irreechaa geessan! Happy Irreecha! May this season bring blessings and joy to all Oromo people.”

The Edmonton Irreecha Malkaa celebration was more than a festival — it was a reaffirmation of identity, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Oromo people, united across borders by culture, faith, and hope.