At the end of every winter, the Oromo people of Ethiopia gather to celebrate the end of what is usually perceived as a trying season and the start of a bountiful new season with a festival of thanksgiving, Irreecha. As the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, the Oromo people thank God (Waaqa) at the beginning of spring (Birraa) after a long dark rainy winter season which is between July to September each year. Then there is the outbreak of diseases like malaria due to stagnant water and puddles from the constant rains. Traditionally, Irreecha festivals are held in the city of Bishoftu, Oromia, about 50km southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In light of this, the authorities are working at registering the Irreecha festival with UNESCO, Ethiopian News Agency reported.

Source: Ethiopian News October 07, 2020 18:06 UTC