Irreechaa, the Oromo Thanksgiving Festival, is a global celebration of gratitude, unity, and cultural heritage for the Oromo people, with major events scheduled across North America, Europe, and Australia in 2026.

Here is a summary of the major 2026 celebrations:

• North America: Seattle (Oct 4), Washington, DC (Oct 2-4), Portland (Oct 3), Winnipeg (Sept 26), Ottawa (Sept 26), Edmonton (Sept 19), Minneapolis (Sept 19), Calgary (Sept 26).
• Europe: Rome, Italy (Oct 10), Oslo, Norway (Oct 3).
• Australia: Berwick, VIC (Sept 27).

🌳 Themes & Significance

The festival is often described as a “celebration of Thanksgiving, Unity & Oromo Culture”. Its core themes include:

• Gratitude: Giving thanks for blessings and peace (“Galateeffannaa”).
• Unity: Fostering togetherness among the Oromo community and beyond (“Tokkummaa”).
• Culture: Honoring traditional practices, music, dance, and attire (“Aadaa”).
• Symbolism: The Odaa tree plays a central role, symbolizing peace, reconciliation, and the connection between the community and nature.

The Ethio-Canadian Connection

A major related event is the 26th Annual Ethio-Canadian Day in Toronto, scheduled for September 5-6, 2026 at Christie Pits Park. This is a two-day celebration that highlights Ethiopian heritage in Canada, contributing to the broader cultural mosaic of the region.

📅 Planning Your Attendance

If you plan to attend, please double-check the final dates and locations with local organizers, as some schedules may be subject to change.