Gambella Community Celebrates Irreecha Festival with Grandeur at Malka Baro.
In a vibrant display of cultural pride and unity, the residents of the Gambella region came together at Malka Baro to celebrate the annual Irreecha festival in a grand and heartfelt ceremony.
The local community marked the occasion with deep reverence and joy, honoring the Oromo traditions of thanksgiving, peace, and renewal.
The celebration underscored the enduring strength and beauty of Oromo culture within Gambella’s diverse social fabric, serving as a powerful testament to shared heritage and community spirit.
Subheading: Community to Gather at Fantalle District for Traditional Thanksgiving Festival
The Oromo community will gather at Nogoba Lake in the Fantalle District this coming Great Saturday to celebrate the annual Irreecha festival.
The event, led by the Michillee clan and embracing the wider Oromo people, serves as a powerful testament to Oromo unity, culture, and tradition.
Irreecha is a profound cultural gathering where the Oromo people reflect on their shared heritage and express the beauty of Oromummaa—their unique cultural identity and worldview. The festival is a vibrant celebration of thanksgiving, community, and resilience.
NAIROBI – This weekend, the heart of Uhuru Park will resonate with the beat of drums, the rise of ancestral songs, and the vibrant colors of Oromo culture as hundreds gather to celebrate the Irreechaa Festival 2025. This profound day of thanksgiving, identity, and unity will transform the capital into a hub of cultural and spiritual significance.
For the Oromo and Borana communities—Eastern Africa’s largest ethnic group—Irreechaa is far more than a festival; it is a spiritual homecoming. It is a sacred time to give thanks to Waaq (God) for life, rain, peace, and the blessings that bind the community together. From elders in traditional white robes to the youth waving cultural flags, the event is a powerful symbol of memory, resilience, and hope.
Organized this year by the Kenya Oromo Professional Association, the celebration will be held on Saturday, October 25th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Uhuru Park, Nairobi. The event is held under the unifying theme, “Celebrating the Beauty of Oromo Culture and Building Bridges Across Borders.”
Event organizers confirm that preparations are in high gear, emphasizing that Irreechaa embodies unity and renewal. “This festival is not just for the Oromo people—it’s an invitation to everyone who believes in peace, gratitude, and togetherness,” a spokesperson stated.
Featuring traditional music, ceremonial horse parades, heartfelt prayers, and communal dances, Irreechaa 2025 promises to be a moving display of cultural pride. It serves as a poignant reminder of culture’s power to connect generations and build bridges between communities.
As the sun rises over Uhuru Park on Saturday, Nairobi will bear witness to a living expression of harmony and tranquility—a celebration that transcends borders and speaks the universal language of gratitude.
Mr. Dabbassa Guyyo is remembered in Oromo history as one of the most revered Oromo philosophers, cultural educators, and preservers of indigenous knowledge. His lifelong commitment to promoting Oromo culture, peace, and spirituality made him a monumental figure within the Oromo nation and beyond.
Guardian of Oromo Civilization
Dabbassa Guyyo was born in Yabello, southern Oromia, and dedicated more than 30 years to teaching Oromo history, cosmology, and traditional knowledge systems in Kenya, Ethiopia, and worldwide. He became known as a “walking encyclopedia” of the **Gadaa system**—the democratic governance and ethical philosophy of the Oromo people. Through his leadership at **Argaa-Dhageettii Gadaa Oromoo**, a cultural institute he founded in Nairobi in 2000, he taught generations of Oromo youth and refugees about their heritage, spirituality, and values of social harmony.
Philosopher of Peace and Unity
Dabbassa developed a broad philosophy of **peaceful coexistence**, emphasizing reconciliation, human dignity, and respect for cultural diversity. He traveled internationally—across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas—to lecture about Oromo civilization and indigenous approaches to social harmony. His teachings revitalized cultural confidence and unity among dispersed Oromo communities.
His Disappearance and Symbolic Immortality
In September 2015, after blessing the Irreechaa ceremony in Nairobi, Mr. Guyyo mysteriously disappeared and was never found. His absence transformed him from a living elder into a *symbol of resilience and spiritual endurance*. Oromo communities across the world continue to commemorate him as a martyr for cultural truth and wisdom—a custodian of Oromo knowledge who gave his life to preserve it.
Why He Will Be Remembered Forever
People remember Dabbassa Guyyo eternally because he embodied:
– The *spiritual depth* of Oromo indigenous wisdom.
– The *moral courage* to teach culture under exile.
– The *humanistic philosophy* of unity and peace.
– The *sacrifice* that sealed his name in the moral memory of his people.
In the collective Oromo consciousness, Mr. Dabbassa Guyyo remains not only a teacher but also a **living spirit of Oromummaa**—the essence of Oromo identity that transcends generations.
Julian Hill MP delivered an address at the 2024 Irreecha Festival in Melbourne, celebrating community, culture, and resilience.
We are gathered on a vast and ancient continent, home to the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Barong people of the Kulin Nation, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.
I also extend that acknowledgment to the many community lands represented here today, including the vibrant Somali community and others we will recognise shortly.
Long before European settlement or subsequent migrations, First Nations Australians nurtured this land, speaking over 250 languages and practising a rich tapestry of cultural traditions. This reminds us that in many ways, we have always been a multicultural society.
But in the last 50 years, following the abolition of the White Australia policy and the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act by the Whitlam government, our modern multicultural project has truly flourished. People from across the globe have brought their lives, their hopes, and their heritage to Australia.
And we do not ask them to leave that heritage behind. Quite the opposite. We encourage communities to pass on their languages, their faiths, and their traditions. We see that here today—people of many faiths gathered for an ancient cultural celebration. This is the heart of modern multicultural Australia: the generosity of sharing your traditions with others.
Thank you for sharing Irreecha with me, and for welcoming the wider community into your celebration.
I want to touch briefly on two other matters.
First, I know this continues to be a deeply difficult time for many, with family and friends affected by the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, particularly in Oromia. Let me be clear: Ethiopia cannot know peace unless Oromia is at peace. There is no military solution to this conflict; only a political one.
While Australia’s direct influence may be limited, we add our voice to the call for diplomacy. We urge all sides to come to the table and negotiate a political solution, because the overwhelming desire of people everywhere is simply to live in peace.
Secondly, we must never take our social cohesion for granted. Being a multi-ethnic, multi-faith, and multilingual society does not automatically make us a successful one. Success requires hard work—it requires policy, investment, and leadership.
A special thanks must go to our community leaders. We need political leadership that focuses on our shared values, and faith leadership that bridges divides. But most of all, we rely on the quiet, dedicated work of community leaders—the ones who organize events like this and who solve small problems before they become big ones. You are the architects of our cohesion.
Thank you for the invitation to be here. I look forward to joining you again next year, and I’m sure we’ll have better weather!
The 2025 Irreecha Melbourne was a resounding success, highlighted in part by the impactful message shared by Toltu Tufa.
Good morning. I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude—gratitude for life, for this community, and for this sacred moment we share, known as Irreecha.
I would like to begin by honoring the Oromo elders, both male and female, who are with us today. And to everyone here, Oromo and non-Oromo alike, a very warm welcome.
For anyone new to this tradition, Irreecha is the Oromo people’s festival of thanksgiving. We gather by water—rivers, lakes, and waterways—bringing greenery and salt, symbols of life, which we place upon the water. It marks the end of the rainy season and the arrival of sunshine and renewal. We are truly fortunate; last year in Melbourne, we stood in the rain, and this year, the sun blesses us.
But Irreecha is far more than a change of season. At its heart, it is a celebration built on three pillars: gratitude, harmony with nature, and community connection.
Today, I want to share what these pillars mean for us.
First, gratitude. Irreecha is a time, as we were taught, to set aside grievances, to reflect, and to forgive. In our culture, gratitude is a transformative force. It turns hardship into resilience and scarcity into abundance.
Second, connection to nature. Even amidst concrete and screens, Irreecha calls us back to a fundamental truth: water is life, and the earth is sacred. It reminds us that we belong to the earth, and the earth to us.
And third, community. We, as Oromo people, are not meant to celebrate alone. We come together with food, laughter, forgiveness, and joy. For some of you, this may be familiar. The names and customs may differ, but the goal is the same: the human spirit giving thanks, finding belonging, and hoping for better days.
Here in Australia, Irreecha is more than a cultural tradition; it is an act of identity and dignity. It is our declaration that even far from Oromia, our culture is alive and thriving.
For our young Oromo people, this is your invitation—from your parents, your cousins, your relatives—to inherit the values of gratitude and resilience.
And for our non-Oromo friends, your presence is a gift. You remind us that joy only multiplies when it is shared.
So whether we gather in Bishoftu, Melbourne, or Washington, D.C., the message is the same: We are still here. We give thanks, and we celebrate life.
Of course, our world is not without hardship. Our people, like many others, carry pain and struggle. Irreecha does not deny this pain. Instead, it transforms it. It is the Oromo way of saying that sorrow will never have the final word.
So thank you. If we can gather here today by the water, then perhaps tomorrow, we can gather in peace all around the world.
I want to thank you for your time and extend my deep gratitude to the organizers for their marvelous work. I look forward to seeing you all again, with my friends and family, next year.
BATO, October 6, 2018 – The West Arsi district is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its rivers, mountains, wildlife, national parks, lakes, and natural hot springs.
Within this district lies Dodolaa, an area rich in historical, cultural, and natural resources. A key historical site is the Arda Jila Yaa’a Bal’oo, located 18 kilometers west of Dodolaa town.
According to local Abbootii Gada and elders, this site has served as the center for the Araaraa Gadaa Faarchuu for over a century. It is a place where community disputes are reconciled, conflicts are resolved, and traditional ceremonies like guma and gumii are held. The site is situated in the middle of the Ukkuma River, surrounded by a beautiful green forest that attracts visitors.
The significance of Yaa’a Bal’oo has drawn attention from abroad. Dr. Lookoo Duuba, a Japanese historian who has lived and traveled in Ethiopia for many years, has visited the site. Dr. Lookoo has fully embraced Oromo culture and is dedicated to researching and promoting it.
“Finding such a vast history and solid tradition in a place like this is, I believe, a strong reason for local scholars to do their part as well,” she remarked.
However, a report from the regional tourism committee indicates that insufficient investment and research are being dedicated to the site. Greater involvement from scholars and stronger government support are critically needed.
The act of visiting, preserving, and promoting these pilgrimage and historical sites is vital, playing a crucial role not only in safeguarding our history but also in driving the country’s economic development. As foreigners travel here to study our past, we must ask ourselves: How many of these sites have we visited? How many have we protected?
In summary, Ardaan Yaa’a Bal’oo is a prime example of Oromia’s long-standing history, culture, and tourism potential. It serves as a powerful reminder that we must properly understand and develop our cultural resources.
To advance this natural and historical treasure, a concerted effort from the community, government, and scholars is essential.
Irreechaa is the Oromo people’s annual Thanksgiving festival, a celebration of gratitude marking the end of the rainy season and the arrival of Birraa (spring). It is deeply rooted in Oromo spiritual tradition and is dedicated to thanking Waaqa (God) for blessings received over the past year, and asking for peace and mercy in the upcoming season.[1][3]
Irreechaa Festival’s Meaning and Traditions
Irreechaa reflects the collective identity and unity of the Oromo community, reviving ancient cultural rituals and fostering social harmony. Traditionally, the festival is held at sacred lakes, rivers, or mountain locations. Participants come with fresh green grass and flowers, symbolizing fertility, renewal, and flourishing life. At the festival grounds, elders lead prayers and blessings, and people immerse or sprinkle water over themselves as a sign of purification and gratitude.[3][7][1]
Celebration by Australian Oromo Communities
In Australia, Oromo communities actively celebrate Irreechaa to preserve and strengthen their cultural identity, especially in major cities like Melbourne. The celebrations typically start with blessings and prayers led by elders, invoking peace, mercy, and remembering Oromo martyrs and those who helped sustain the tradition. These events feature communal prayer, cultural songs and dances, sharing traditional foods, and symbolic rituals such as offering green grass and flowers. Australian celebrations may take place in parks and natural spots that evoke the riverbanks or lakes central to Irreechaa rituals, like the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) in Melbourne.[2]
In recent years, the festival’s organization has emphasized family participation, remembrance for those who suffered or sacrificed for Oromo culture, and adaptation to local circumstances, sometimes in smaller family units especially during pandemic restrictions. Attendees are encouraged to observe public health guidance while upholding the spirit of gratitude, unity, and peace that defines Irreechaa.[2]
Diaspora Role in Cultural Continuity
For diaspora Oromos, Irreechaa in Australia is vital for maintaining connections to homeland traditions, fostering youth awareness of their heritage, and building community solidarity. The festival serves as a model for intergenerational learning and allows the younger generation to understand and embrace their Oromo identity.[4][2]
In summary, Irreechaa in Australia blends traditional rituals with new expressions suited to local environments, remaining a vibrant anchor of Oromo culture for the community abroad.[4][2]
The conclusion of the Irreechaa festival marks the beginning of a critical phase dedicated to stewardship, reflection, and future planning. These activities are essential for honoring the festival’s values and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
1. Environmental Stewardship: Clean-Up and Restoration
Immediately following the celebrations, a primary focus is the comprehensive clean-up and restoration of the festival grounds. This collective effort, led by organizers and volunteers, is a practical expression of the deep reverence for nature central to Irreechaa. Our goal is to leave the sacred sites as pristine as we found them, upholding the principle that a clean Irreechaa is a true reflection of our respect for the environment.
2. Comprehensive Event Evaluation
A structured review process is undertaken to analyze all aspects of the celebration. This includes an assessment of logistics, security, cultural programming, and overall community engagement to identify successes and areas for improvement.
3. Formal Recognition of Contributors
The successful execution of Irreechaa is a collective achievement. Formal acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of all participants, volunteers, and partners is a vital concluding activity, expressing gratitude for their indispensable role.
4. Strategic Future Planning
The insights gathered from the event evaluation directly inform our strategic planning for the future. This process ensures we set concrete objectives and continuously improve, strengthening the festival for the years to come.
Advocacy for Oromia was established in 2010 with the purpose of enabling and empowering Oromo people by providing accurate and timely information that will help to make better choices to create the kind of future in which they wish to live.
It also provides information focus on the major issues facing us in the 21st century and it is going to try and bring a balanced approach with factual information that is positive and solution based.
The website has been in operation for the last nine years with the mission of promoting and advancing causes of Oromo people through advocacy, community education, information service, capacity building, awareness raising and promotion.
The website is also the official site of Advocacy for Oromia Association in Victoria Australia Inc., a non-profit organisation, registered under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 in Victoria as April 2014.
Our team already had considerable community development experience and expertise. Our various projects helped to develop our confidence and the capacity of our agency. Our team used every gained knowledge, skills and experiences as an opportunity to design and develop new approaches, to documenting progress, supporting positive employment outcomes, liaising with community stakeholders, and conduct evaluation.
Advocacy for Oromia is devoted to establishing Advocacy for Oromia organisation to close the gaps where we can stand for people who are disadvantaged and speaking out on their behalf in a way that represents the best interests of them. We are committed to supporting positive settlement and employment outcomes for Victoria’s Oromo community.
Advocacy for Oromia Office
Addresses:
39 Clow St,
Dandenong VIC 3175
=====================
247-251 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000
Activities Address
Springvale Neighbourhood House Inc
Address: 46-50 Queens Ave, Springvale VIC 3171
Postal Address:
P. O. Box 150
Noble Park, Vic 3174
With your support, we can continue to help community build a better future.
Advocacy for Oromia Mental Health Program
The aim of the program is to improving the mental health and well-being of Oromo community in Victoria. It aims to assist those experiencing, mental ill-health, their families and carers of all ages within this community to address the social determinants of mental health for Oromo community. It helps:
Identify and build protective factors,
Reduce stigma and discrimination
Build capacity for self-determination
Better understand mental wellbeing, mental ill-health and the impacts of trauma
The goal of the project is to increase mental health literacy of Oromo community that aims:
To assist people with mental health issues
To increase the capacity of mental health worker
To better understand mental wellbeing
To provide mental health education and information
To address the social and cultural causes of mental health issues
Advocacy for Oromia will organise information session, women performance, radio programs, culturally adopted conversations on Oromo Coffee Drinking ceremony, providing training for mental health guides and forum and producing educational materials on the selected groups and geographical area.
Human Rights Education Program
The Human Rights Education Program is a community based human rights program designed to develop an understanding of everyone’s common responsibility to make human rights a reality in each community.
Human rights can only be achieved through an informed and continued demand by people for their protection. Human rights education promotes values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage all individuals to uphold their own rights and those of others.
The aim of the program is to build an understanding and appreciation for human rights through learning about rights and learning through rights. We aimed at building a universal culture of human rights. Thus, we aimed:
To build an understanding and appreciation for human rights through learning about rights and learning through rights.
To build capacities and sharing good practice in the area of human rights education and training
To develop human rights education and training materials and resources
The goal of the project is to increase human rights literacy of Oromo community that aims:
To better understand human rights
To increase the capacity of human rights worker
To analyse situations in human rights terms
To provide human rights education and information
To develop solidarity
To strategize and implement appropriate responses to injustice.
The ultimate goal of education for human rights is empowerment, giving people the knowledge and skills to take control of their own lives and the decisions that affect them.
Human rights education constitutes an essential contribution to the long-term prevention of human rights abuses and represents an important investment in the endeavour to achieve a just society in which all human rights of all persons are valued and respected.
Advocacy for Oromia will organise information session, performance, radio programs, culturally adopted conversations on Oromo Coffee Drinking ceremony, providing training for Human Rights guides and forum and producing educational materials on the selected groups and geographical area.
Community Safety Program
The program aims to strengthen existing collaborations and identify opportunities for the development of partnerships aimed at community safety and crime prevention activities. This approach seeks to improve the individual and collective quality of life by addressing concerns regarding the wider physical and social environment. Importantly, community safety means addressing fear of crime and perceptions of safety as without this any actions to address the occurrence of crime and anti-social behaviour are of less value.
Henok … https://www.facebook.com/direkukulu/posts/-irreechaa-a-celebration-of-unity-and-gratitude-henok-kidane-october-3-2025irree/1099445842358416/
Advocacy for Oromia 