Irreecha Festival Enshrines Peace, Reinforces Unity, Brotherhood, and Solidarity: Abbaa Gadaas

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2025  (ENA) -- The Abbaa Gadaas and Hada Sinqes have described Irreecha as a festival that not only celebrates peace but also strongly upholds the values of unity, brotherhood, and solidarity.

This year, Irreecha, the traditional thanksgiving festival, will be celebrated at Hora Finfinne and Hora Arsadi under the theme “Irreecha for the Revival of the Country.”

The celebration comes as a time for people to express gratitude to their Creator, marking the return of togetherness and light after the long separation of the winter season.

Speaking to ENA, Abbaa Gadaa Addisu Belda emphasized that Irreecha is a festival of thanksgiving, peace, forgiveness, solidarity, and brotherhood, observed at the close of the winter months.

 

He explained that the event is a unifying celebration of nationalism, bringing together people from all walks of life without distinction.

“Irreecha is a festival of peace and love that unites people. The winter season is like darkness; people do not gather at rivers, and relatives remain apart. When Irreecha comes, families reunite, people thank the Creator, and conflicts are resolved. It symbolizes coming out into the light,” he stated.

According to him, Irreecha, one of the manifestations of the Geda system, is not only an occasion to thank the Creator but also a reaffirmation of hope for a brighter future.

In this way, the festival brings together people of all nations, nationalities, and backgrounds in a spirit of equality and mutual respect.

Similarly, Abbaa Gadaa Megersa Ifa noted that Irreecha embodies unity, love, forgiveness, and cooperation.

 

Because it is a time of reconciliation, he said, everyone is encouraged to let go of grudges and forgive one another before attending the celebration.

He further noted that elders are making continuous efforts to preserve Irreecha’s cultural traditions and ensure they are passed on to future generations.

“The Irreecha is celebrated with wet grass and flowers, accompanied by traditional songs and dances. The youth wear colorful traditional costumes, while the Abbaa Gadaas lead the ceremony in rows according to the Geda system,” he emphasized.

Echoing this sentiment, Hada Sinque Asanaku Tufa stressed that Irreecha a festival where women’s equality is practically demonstrated and the women lead the procession to the venue, carrying Irreecha (wet grass) while dressed in traditional clothing and adorned with ornaments.

 

“They are peacemakers, mediators, mothers, sisters, and wives, representing symbols of peace. Their role embodies respect, harmony, and unity,” she explained.

She further underlined that Irreecha symbolizes brotherhood and solidarity, serving as a harbinger of a bright era and a bond of national unity.

Ultimately, Irreecha stands as a place where peace is preached, gratitude is expressed, and people of all ages, youth, women, and elders, gather in traditional attire to celebrate together without discrimination.

This year, the Irreecha festival will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa, and on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu.