Tens of Thousands Celebrate Irreecha Thanksgiving Festival in Ethiopia

Ethiopians Celebrate Irreecha Thanksgiving Festival

Tens of thousands of Ethiopians gathered in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu this weekend to celebrate the annual Irreecha thanksgiving festival, marking the end of the rainy season. The festival is especially significant for the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and involves prayers of gratitude for the greenery brought by the rains.

A Celebration of Culture and Identity

Irreecha is deeply rooted in Oromo culture and traditions. Festival-goers, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, gather around sacred rivers and lakes to offer thanks. They sing, dance, share stories, and place freshly cut grass and flowers in the water, symbolizing life, renewal, and hope. "To me, Irreecha represents my identity, it reflects the pride and greatness of my people," said Moata Abdulmajid, a 25-year-old who has been celebrating Irreecha for nine years.

Global Participation and Increased Popularity

Irreecha attracts attendees not only from across Ethiopia but also from around the world. The festival's popularity has grown dramatically in the past decade, partly due to the rise of social media, where young people document their experiences. Claire, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, shared that this was her second year attending, bringing her children after experiencing the beauty of the festival the previous year.

A History of Protest and a Focus on Unity

In the past, Irreecha has served as a platform for anti-government protests, reflecting the Oromo people's long-standing grievances about political and economic marginalization. However, this year's celebration was peaceful, emphasizing joy, unity, and cultural pride. The festival is now observed by the majority of Oromos, regardless of their religion.

Irreecha's Revival and the Rise of Abiy Ahmed

After periods of suppression under past regimes, including Emperor Menelik II, Emperor Haile Selassie, and the Derg government, the Irreecha festival was revived in the late 1990s. Umer Ali, reflecting on the revival, noted that reforms by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have allowed the Oromo people to freely celebrate their culture. Abiy Ahmed, the country's first Oromo leader, stated that this year's Irreecha comes after the inauguration of the Grand Renaissance Dam, doubling the joy.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite Abiy Ahmed's Oromo heritage, he faces criticism from some within the community who believe he hasn't done enough to address their concerns. Haqaafan Worku argued that the demands of the Oromo people are still ignored under Abiy's administration.