Addis Ababa/Bishoftu, Ethiopia —
Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President for Communications and International Relations of AITEC World (Africa International Tourism and Economic Council), has joined the Oromia Tourism Commission and other dignitaries, cultural leaders, and festival participants to celebrate the colourful Irreecha Festival on the 3rd and 4th November in both Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
Balogun expressed his satisfaction with the celebration, describing it as a powerful demonstration of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, unity, hospitality, and tourism potential. His participation underscored AITEC World’s commitment to promoting cultural tourism, strengthening African identity, and building bridges between Africa and the international community through tourism and cultural exchange.
Speaking during the celebrations, Amb. Balogun seized the opportunity to invite visitors, tourism professionals, investors, cultural enthusiasts, and the international community to discover Ethiopia, experience its cultural diversity, and explore its outstanding tourism attractions.
He noted that the Irreecha Festival resonates strongly with AITEC World’s cultural affinity and mission of promoting Africa’s heritage as a valuable resource for tourism development, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
Irreecha: A Celebration of Thanksgiving, Peace, Unity and Renewal
Irreecha is one of the most significant cultural celebrations of the Oromo people of Ethiopia. It is traditionally observed at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of Birraa, a season associated with renewal, abundance, and harvest. The festival provides an opportunity for the Oromo people to express gratitude to Waaqa (God) for life, blessings, peace, and the natural resources that sustain their communities.
The celebrations in Addis Ababa, at Hora Finfinne, and in Bishoftu, at Hora Arsadi, bring together large numbers of people dressed in colourful traditional attire. Participants carry fresh green grass and flowers to the water, where they perform thanksgiving rituals, offer prayers, sing traditional songs, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Irreecha represents peace, reconciliation, unity, cultural identity, and the preservation of traditions across generations. It also serves as a major cultural tourism attraction, providing international visitors with an opportunity to experience the richness of Oromo culture and Ethiopia’s diverse heritage.
AITEC World’s Commitment to Cultural Tourism
Amb. Balogun’s participation in the festival reflects AITEC World’s broader commitment to advancing cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth, international cooperation, youth empowerment, and sustainable tourism development across Africa.
AITEC World recognises that Africa’s cultural festivals, historical landmarks, traditional practices, and indigenous knowledge systems are essential assets in promoting the continent to the global tourism market. Through international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and tourism promotion, the organisation continues to advocate for greater recognition of Africa’s cultural wealth and its contribution to global tourism.
Balogun’s invitation to the international community reinforces the message that Ethiopia is a destination where culture, history, spirituality, nature, and hospitality converge to create memorable experiences for visitors.
As Ethiopia continues to position itself as a leading destination for cultural tourism, the Irreecha Festival offers a compelling example of how indigenous traditions can strengthen cultural identity while creating opportunities for tourism investment, international engagement, and community development.
For AITEC World, celebrating Irreecha is more than participating in a cultural festival; it is an affirmation of the organisation’s commitment to connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa through tourism, culture, and economic cooperation.
