Addis Ababa:International guests attending the 8th Irreecha Forum in Addis Ababa have described the festival as a vibrant celebration of culture, thanksgiving, and unity, encouraging more visitors to Ethiopia to experience its rich cultural heritage. The event took place at the Sheraton Addis Hotel.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Gene Mettler, an American attendee with the Oromo name Balcha, observed similarities between Irreecha and Thanksgiving in the United States, noting that both involve expressing gratitude for blessings. However, he emphasized that Irreecha is distinguished by its communal aspect, uniting the broader Oromo community in thanksgiving and seeking future blessings.
Mettler, who previously lived in Ethiopia for four years, recently returned from the United States where he shared his experiences of Ethiopian culture and family unity. He expressed his desire to remain in Ethiopia indefinitely.
Fauzia Abdikadir from Marsabit, Kenya, praised Irreecha as a beautiful festival and appreciated the representation of Oromo and Ethiopian culture during the festivities. She highlighted Addis Ababa as an attractive tourist destination, especially at night, and encouraged more tourists to explore the city.
Another Kenyan visitor, Nadi Girole, expressed her enthusiasm for attending the forum and the upcoming Irreecha events. She was particularly impressed by the traditional clothing, language, and the presence of Abbaa Gadaas, and suggested that increased publicity and social media promotion could introduce Irreecha to a wider global audience.
Irreecha, an Oromo thanksgiving celebration, involves expressing gratitude to Waaqa (God) for past blessings and praying for future ones. It is celebrated in Bishoftu as Irreecha Hora Arsedi, attracting large crowds to lakesides and public gatherings. Recently, Irreecha Hora Finfinnee was celebrated in Addis Ababa under the theme "Irreecha for National Renaissance," with hundreds of thousands participating in the colorful celebration of Oromo culture, heritage, and unity.
