Tens of thousands of Oromo gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Saturday 10th October,to celebrate the Irreecha thanksgiving festival.
This event occurred while reports emerged that federal forces had entered Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region in the north.
There are concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict between the government and Tigrayan rebels have been escalating for several weeks.
Irreecha is an annual Thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Oromo people, marking the arrival of spring and the harvest season.
During the celebration, people dressed in traditional white attire gather at the sacred waters of Hora Finfinnee in Addis Ababa and Hora Harsadi in Bishoftu.
They offer prayers of gratitude, sing cultural songs, and present fresh green grass and flowers to Waaqayyo (God) for peace, health, and abundance.
As one of East Africa’s largest indigenous cultural gatherings, this stunning event offers a unique window into Oromo traditions, unity, and community harmony.
