Each year, as the rainy season gives way to the brightness of spring in Ethiopia, the Oromo people gather in vast numbers to celebrate Irreecha, their traditional thanksgiving festival. Held near sacred bodies of water such as Lake Hora in Bishoftu and Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa, Irreecha is a time to give thanks to Waaqa (God) for blessings received—life, health, peace, and the end of the difficult rainy season.

This year’s celebration began today in Addis Ababa, where thousands gathered at Hora Finfinne to mark the occasion. The capital was filled with people in white traditional garments carrying green grass and flowers, offering prayers and joining in dances and songs led by spiritual leaders and elders. Tomorrow, the festival will continue in Debre Zeyit (Bishoftu) at Hora Arsadi, the most prominent Irreecha site, where even larger crowds are expected.

Irreecha is rooted in the Gadaa system, the traditional Oromo governance and social system. While Gadaa was inscribed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2016, efforts are now underway to gain a similar designation for Irreecha itself. Cultural experts and government institutions have compiled extensive documentation on the festival’s rituals, spiritual practices, and social significance, aiming to have it officially recognized as a unique cultural tradition on the global stage.

In recent years, Irreecha has grown far beyond its religious and regional roots. It now draws tourists from across Ethiopia and abroad, making it a powerful tool for cultural tourism. Traditional music, fashion, food, and craft exhibitions held alongside the main events offer visitors a full cultural experience. Hotels in Bishoftu are fully booked, local businesses are booming, and the festival creates vital economic opportunities for artisans, vendors, and cultural performers.

The fashion sector in particular sees a seasonal revival during Irreecha. Demand for traditional Oromo garments such as the Wendabo spikes, with designers and tailors working around the clock to meet orders. For many young Oromos, the festival is as much about cultural expression and identity as it is about spiritual gratitude.

But amid the growing crowds and commercial success, many Oromo elders and cultural leaders stress the need to preserve the spiritual heart of the festival. They warn against allowing economic interests to overshadow the rituals, prayers, and communal values that define Irreecha. Maintaining the balance between celebration and sacredness is seen as essential, especially in light of the UNESCO nomination.

At its core, Irreecha is a celebration of peace, unity, and renewal—values that extend beyond ethnic or religious lines. Though rooted in Oromo tradition, the festival welcomes people of all backgrounds. In both Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, participants include Ethiopians from diverse communities, creating a shared space of cultural respect and national unity.

As Ethiopia works to promote its rich intangible heritage, Irreecha stands out as a powerful example of living tradition. Its growing visibility offers not only opportunities for tourism but also a platform for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. With UNESCO recognition on the horizon, Irreecha may soon gain global recognition as a treasure of human heritage—offering gratitude, beauty, and a sense of belonging to all who witness it.

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Irreecha: A Festival of Gratitude and Renewal