Irreecha Blooms in Ethiopia's Transformed Capital City

By Gezmu Edecha

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2025 (ENA)—This morning multitudes of the Oromo people and their fellow Ethiopians converged at Hora Finfinnee with their hearts full of thanksgiving and their hands carrying fresh green grass that shimmered like hope against the azure waters of Hora Finfinnee.

This year's Irreecha celebration carried something special – it unfolded in the Addis Ababa transformed beyond recognition.

The traditional thanksgiving festival themed "Irreecha for National Renaissance" drew thousands who came not just to honor the tradition, but also to witness how their beloved capital has blossomed.

One of the celebrants, Abebe Gofe, said "What makes this year's Irreecha festival special is the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the various development projects across the country. The government has accomplished great work in collaboration with the public."

"Irreecha festival, which the Oromo and other people are celebrating together, is one that everyone celebrates in unity; and the ceremony in Addis Ababa city with wide roads and shining streets makes it special. The city's development is very pleasing, and this must expand to other cities as well.’’

The festival, deeply rooted in Waaqeffannaa has always been about gratitude. But this year, gratitude took on new dimensions. As families dipped their green grass and flowers into the sacred waters, they carried prayers not just for personal blessings, but for a nation rising.

The other celebrant, Abdi Mohammed, with his eyes reflecting both the ancient wisdom of his ancestors and the promise of tomorrow, said this year's Irreecha brings joy because Ethiopia has embarked on a comprehensive development journey.

"Addis Ababa has become very beautiful and clean. The place where Hora Finfinnee is celebrated has been beautified by the corridor development project, adding splendor to the festival."

The transformation wasn't lost on anyone. Where once narrow, difficult paths challenged pedestrians, wide boulevards and stunning walkways now welcome millions. The integration of lush greenery, public plazas, and vibrant streets created a canvas where ancient traditions could flourish with renewed dignity.

For Boke Eyi, a celebrant the capital's new face had become more than just infrastructure.

"The changes in Addis Ababa's appearance create great inspiration to carry out other development works," he noted. "Previously, the roads, especially for pedestrians, were not comfortable. Now it has become very attractive and comfortable for travel. The development works done in the city in these two years have changed the face of the city. It has become attractive not only for Ethiopians but also for foreign visitors."

Abba Gada Gobena Hola said Irreecha, which all nations and nationalities eagerly awaited, was celebrated vibrantly at Hora Finfinnee.

"All nations and nationalities eagerly await Irreecha, and it was celebrated magnificently at Hora Finfinnee," Gobena declared. "All Ethiopians celebrated it magnificently; and the festival maintained its cultural values and was celebrated with splendor."

The festival's inclusive nature shone brightly as Ethiopians and even foreign visitors joined the celebration. Children laughed as they splashed in the sacred waters, elders shared stories under acacia trees, and young people danced to rhythms that have echoed across generations. The sight of diverse faces united in celebration painted a picture of the Ethiopia many dreams of – one where differences become strengths and unity emerges from diversity

As the day progressed and the sun began its descent, the green grass floating on Hora Finfinnee's waters looked like prayers made visible. Each blade carried hopes for abundant harvests, peaceful coexistence, and continued progress. The waters that have witnessed countless Irreecha celebrations now reflected not just the ancient sky, but the gleaming facades of a modernizing capital.

Tomorrow, the celebration continues in Bishoftu, where Hora Arsedi will bring together even more communities in thanksgiving. But today's celebration at Hora Finfinnee has already achieved something remarkable – it has shown how ancient wisdom and modern progress can dance together; how traditions can flourish in transformed spaces, and how a people's gratitude can encompass both the blessings of the past and the promises of the future.

As the celebrants dispersed carrying blessed grass and hearts full of hope, they left behind waters that had witnessed not just another Irreecha, but a celebration that perfectly captured a nation in transition – honoring where it came from while embracing where it is headed. In this season of thanksgiving, Ethiopia itself has something to be grateful for.