Irreecha (also called Irreessa or Dhibaayyuu), is a Thanksgiving holiday celebrating the end of the winter in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Oromo people celebrate Irreecha to thank Waaqa (God) for the blessings and mercies they have received throughout the previous year. The Irreecha festival is celebrated every year at the beginning of Birraa (Spring), the new season after the dark and rainy winter season. It is attended by hundreds of thousands of people. The thanksgiving is celebrated at sacred lakes across Oromia Region like the Hora Finfinne and Hora Harsadi, Bishoftu, Oromia Region as a whole. Once at the lake, festival-goers immerse in freshly cut green grass and the flowers they are carrying and sprinkle themselves and place in water.
Caalaa Hayiluu dhaggeeffadhaa
