Finfinnee, Oromia — The Assembly of Gadaa Elders of Oromia has officially announced the dates for the celebration of Irreechaa in 2019, confirming that the festival at Hora Finfinnee will be celebrated on September 23, while the celebration at Hora Harsadee will take place on September 24.

The announcement was made through an official statement issued by the Assembly of Gadaa Elders, the traditional custodians of Oromo cultural and spiritual life, who oversee the proper observance of the festival in accordance with ancient customs, traditions, and sacred norms.

A Festival That Reflects the Greatness of a People

In their statement, the Gadaa elders emphasized that Irreechaa is not merely a seasonal celebration but a profound expression of the greatness of the Oromo nation. The festival, they noted, must be observed in a manner that honors the culture, traditions, and sacred norms (safuu) of the Oromo people, preserving the customs handed down from their ancestors.

The elders stressed that Irreechaa should serve as an occasion to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity among all people, regardless of their faith or political outlook. The festival, they affirmed, belongs to all — and its celebration must transcend differences of religion and political opinion.

A Call for a United, Orderly Observance

The Assembly issued a call to all sectors of society to support the proper and orderly observance of Irreechaa. The festival, they said, must be conducted according to its established rules and procedures, with a spirit of oneness and shared purpose. No difference of faith or political perspective should divide the community during this sacred time.

The elders’ call underscores the deep significance of Irreechaa as a unifying force in Oromo society. The festival draws together millions of people from across Oromia and the diaspora, gathering at sacred water sites to give thanks to Waaqa (God), seek reconciliation, and welcome the new season of Birraa (spring).

A Tradition Preserved Through Generations

The announcement by the Gadaa elders reflects the continued vitality of the Gadaa system, the ancient democratic and social governance structure of the Oromo people. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Gadaa system organizes Oromo society into age sets and generational grades, each with its own roles, rights, and responsibilities. The elders’ role in announcing and overseeing Irreechaa is a testament to the enduring strength of this institution.

A Festival of Thanksgiving and Renewal

Irreechaa is the annual Oromo thanksgiving festival, celebrated at the banks of rivers and lakes across Oromia. It marks the end of the rainy season (Ganna) and the beginning of spring (Birraa), a time of renewal, gratitude, and hope. Participants carry fresh green grass and yellow daisies to the water’s edge, dipping them into the water as an offering of thanks for the blessings of the past year and a prayer for peace and abundance in the year to come.

The festival’s requirement for reconciliation before participation creates a powerful, community-enforced deadline for resolving disputes. There is a widespread belief that Waaqa will not accept the prayers of those who carry grievances. Irreechaa is thus not only a time of celebration but also a time of healing and reconciliation.

A Call to All

As the dates for Irreechaa 2019 approach, the Gadaa elders’ message is clear: Irreechaa is a festival for all Oromo people and for all who wish to join in the spirit of gratitude and unity. It is a time to set aside differences, to come together as one community, and to give thanks to Waaqa for the blessings of life, peace, and abundance.

The Assembly’s call for support from all sectors of society reflects the communal nature of the festival. Irreechaa is not organized by any single institution or group — it is a collective expression of the Oromo people’s faith, culture, and identity.

Baga Irreechaa! Baga Birraa!

Source: Assembly of Gadaa Elders of Oromia