Hora Finfinne Irreecha Concludes Peacefully, Celebrating Unity and Cultural Heritage

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—The Hora Finfinne Irreecha festival has concluded peacefully in Addis Ababa, showcasing Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage while preserving the values and traditions at the heart of the Oromo thanksgiving festival.

In a message following the conclusion of the celebration, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie described Irreecha as a living expression of thanksgiving, peace, love and unity.

She added that the festival once again brought people together in a spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and tolerance.

 

From the early morning, hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Hora Finfinnee in colorful traditional attire, filling the celebration with vibrant music, dance, blessings and a powerful display of cultural pride, ENA reported from the scene.

Mayor Adanech said Irreecha extends beyond its cultural and traditional significance, serving as a major gathering that brings people from diverse backgrounds together and demonstrates the enduring values of coexistence and togetherness.

She called on Ethiopians to translate these values into action by working collectively to strengthen peace, national consensus and the country’s overall prosperity, while pooling their capabilities and reinforcing national unity.

Adanech further expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the peaceful and successful conclusion of the festival, with particular appreciation to the residents of Addis Ababa for welcoming visitors with the city’s tradition of Ethiopian hospitality and warmth.

 

She also extended thanks to the Abba Gadaas, Haadha Siinqees, Follees, security forces and leaders for their roles in ensuring the successful conclusion of the celebration.

Concluding her message, the Mayor underscored the broader message of the festival with the call: “Irreecha for National Consensus! Irreecha for Peace and Unity!”

Irreecha is a traditional Oromo thanksgiving festival celebrated at the end of the rainy season.

It is a time of gratitude to Waaqa (God), renewal, reconciliation and community gathering, bringing together people to celebrate life, peace and shared cultural values, it was learned.