London, UK — The Oromo community in the United Kingdom gathered in London on 19 September 2026 to celebrate Irreecha, the sacred Oromo Thanksgiving festival, in a vibrant display of culture, faith, and unity.

The celebration, organised by Hawaasa Oromoo biyya UK – London, brought together Oromo families and friends from across the United Kingdom for a day of gratitude, reflection, and cultural pride.

A Celebration Rooted in Gratitude

Irreecha is one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of Oromo culture. It is a time when the Oromo people come together to give thanks to Waaqa for life, peace, rain, harvest, family, and the blessings of the past season.

More than just a celebration, Irreecha is an expression of gratitude, unity, reconciliation, hope, and renewal. People gather in nature, often near rivers and lakes, carrying fresh green branches and flowers as symbols of life, abundance, and renewal.

Through prayers, songs, traditional clothing, and cultural expressions, communities celebrate together and give thanks for the blessings of creation.

A Time for Reflection and Remembrance

During the London celebration, speakers reflected on the journey of Irreecha and the sacrifices made to elevate the festival to its current standing. It was noted that great effort and dedication were required to bring Irreecha to the level of recognition it enjoys today.

The community also paused to remember the tragic events of 2016 at Arsadi, where lives were lost during Irreecha celebrations. Those who gathered were reminded that the sacrifices made that day will never be forgotten — a solemn moment that underscored the resilience and determination of the Oromo people.

Strengthening Bonds and Building Unity

Irreecha is also a time to strengthen relationships, forgive one another, resolve differences, and look toward the future with hope. The celebration reflects the deep Oromo understanding that human beings are connected to one another, to the land, and to the natural world.

In London, this spirit of unity was on full display as community members came together in traditional attire, sharing prayers, songs, and fellowship. Elders, youth, and children alike participated in the festivities, ensuring that the traditions of their ancestors continue to thrive in the diaspora.

A Message of Peace and Hope

As the celebration drew to a close, heartfelt wishes were extended to Oromo communities around the world:

“May this Irreecha bring peace to our hearts, unity to our communities, prosperity to our families, and hope for the generations to come.”

The gathering concluded with the traditional blessings that echo across Oromo celebrations everywhere:

“Happy Irreecha! 🌿 🙏🏾 🌳”
“Irreecha nagaan! 🌳”
“Horaa bulaa, deebanaa! ❤️💚❤️”

Irreecha: A Tradition That Transcends Borders

Irreecha remains a powerful symbol of Oromo identity, connecting millions of people across Ethiopia and the global diaspora. From the shores of Lake Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu to community halls and parks in London, Melbourne, Minneapolis, and beyond, the festival continues to unite Oromo people in gratitude, hope, and shared heritage.

As the Oromo community in London demonstrated, Irreecha is not merely a tradition of the past — it is a living, breathing celebration of faith, resilience, and the enduring bonds of community.

Irreecha nagaan! 🌿