Our Sacred Heritage
Preserving the timeless traditions of Irreecha and the rich cultural legacy of the Oromo people
Irreecha Festival & Oromo Heritage Foundation
The Irreecha Festival & Oromo Heritage Foundation (IFOHF) is an organization that promotes cultural values of the Oromo nation. Its work helps ensure that traditions like Irreecha continue to be celebrated and understood by future generations, serving as a vital steward of this heritage.
Preservation & Education
The IFOHF is dedicated to documenting Oromo history and culture, particularly through projects like the Oromo Oral History Project. This initiative aims to record the life stories of elders, preserving their memories and experiences for the benefit of the community and broader society.
Educational & Cultural Activities
By organizing cultural forums and events, the IFOHF works to educate the public about Oromo culture and its significance. Its efforts help counter historical neglect of Oromo culture in academic and media spheres, bringing greater visibility and understanding to the Gadaa system and other integral aspects of Oromo life.
Empowerment & Global Connection
The foundation's work in preserving Oromo cultural heritage involves promoting Oromo culture, while also creating bridges with other communities, sharing the Oromo values of peace, respect for nature, and resilience on a global stage.
The Sacred Irreecha Festival
Irreecha, also known as Irreessa, is an annual Oromo festival that is a profound expression of gratitude, cultural pride, and communal solidarity.
Thanksgiving & Spirituality
At its core, Irreecha is a thanksgiving ceremony to Waaqa (God), marking the end of the dark, rainy season and the beginning of the bright, fertile spring season known as Birraa. The festival is a time to thank Waaqa for the blessings of the past year and pray for peace (Nagaa), health, and abundance in the year to come.
Rituals & Symbolism
The rituals are deeply symbolic. Celebrations traditionally take place at sacred sites, such as the shores of lakes or riverbanks. Attendees carry freshly cut green grass and flowers, which they dip and sprinkle in the water as a sign of gratitude and renewal, reflecting a deep spiritual connection with nature.
A Beacon of Identity & Unity
Irreecha is a central pillar of Oromo identity, known as "Oromummaa". The festival promotes unity among Oromos from diverse backgrounds, celebrating their shared language, land, and heritage in a vibrant display of traditional attire, songs, and dances.
Cultural Resilience & Self-Determination
In the face of historical and ongoing challenges to their culture, Irreecha has also become a powerful symbol of resilience and a platform for expressing aspirations for justice and self-determination.
Washington DC Gathering
One of IFOHF's missions is to organize the Irreecha festival in Washington, DC, to bring together Oromos residing in North America on the first weekend of October, reinforcing cultural identity and community bonds.
Securing Heritage for Generations to Come
The foundation's work ensures that the spirit of Irreecha—its values of gratitude, unity, and resilience—is not only celebrated annually but also embedded in the collective consciousness and shared with the world, securing its place as a cornerstone of Oromo identity for generations to come.