Kenyans Say Irreechaa Festival Serves as Unifying Factor among Communities

Addis Ababa: Kenyans, who are attending the Irreechaa Festival in Bishoftu town of Ethiopia have expressed that the event serves as a unifying factor for the Oromo community and other nations across the country.Irreechaa is a traditional Oromo thanksgiving celebrated every year at the bank of a river to mark the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvesting season.The celebration of Hora Finfinne, part of the Irreechaa festival, held on Saturday in Addis Ababa colorfully. Similarly, today, the event is celebrated in the town of Bishoftu, Oromia region.The day began with ceremonial gatherings at Hora Arsedi Lake, where attendees engaged in the age-old ritual of blessing the water.Elders led prayers and songs, thanking Waaqaa (God) for the blessings of the past year and seeking continued prosperity and peace for the community.The atmosphere in Bishoftu was imbued with a sense of unity and spiritual connection, as families and friends came together to preserve their traditions.Huge numb er of people has participated at this colorful event drawn from all corners of Ethiopia including foreign tourists.Zainabu Hussein, a Kenyan attendee, remarked that Irrecha is a unique festival open to all.She expressed admiration for the warmth of the people she encountered along the road from Kenya to Addis Ababa.The festival is distinctive, with participants making extensive preparations to attend, she said.Yusus Omar Bocha, another Kenyan, noted that the event brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate its vibrant festivities.He emphasized that Irreechaa is not exclusively an Oromo festival, as many Africans, Asians, and individuals from various nationalities also partake.Omar highlighted that gatherings like this one enhance relations between Ethiopia and Kenya, as both countries share many commonalities.Another participant echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the festival's role in bringing people together in love, hope, and joy.He was particularly struck by the beauty of t he traditional white clothing worn by the people, which showcase their rich heritage."It is amazing to see millions come together to honor their traditions, strengthening community bonds and promoting unity," he said.According to attendees, the annually celebrated festival fosters cultural pride and solidarity among the Oromo people and other in Ethiopia.Many expressed pride in their heritage and emphasized the importance of passing it down to future generations.Source: Ethiopian News Agency