Harsade Irreecha festival draws sea of festivalgoers in Bishoftu

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2025 (FMC) — Tens of thousands of people gathered at Hora Harsade (Lake Harsade) in Bishoftu this morning to celebrate the 2018 E.C. (2025) Harsade Irreecha Festival in a colorful and spiritual atmosphere.

Celebrated under the theme “Irreecha for National Leap Up,” this year’s festival brought together Abbaa Gadaas, Hadha Sinqees, community elders, youth, and farmers from across the Oromia region, alongside visitors and well-wishers from other parts of Ethiopia.

The central ritual, known as Irreeffanna — an expression of gratitude to Waaqa (the Creator) — was performed at the lakeside, led by the Abbaa Gadaas.

Holding green grass in their hands, the Abbaa Gadaas and Hadha Sinqees offered prayers and blessings, symbolizing the transition from the dark and rainy season to a time of light, peace, and renewal.

Irreecha, rooted in the Oromo Gadaa system, is an ancient thanksgiving festival through which the Oromo people express gratitude for the blessings of the past season and pray for prosperity, unity, and peace in the year ahead.

This year’s celebration once again reflected the enduring cultural pride, togetherness, and spiritual strength that make Irreecha a cherished symbol of Ethiopia’s living heritage, it has been mentioned.