This morning in Addis Ababa, Hadasinke, accompanied by a considerable gathering of participants in Hbrezema, marked the 2017 event as reported by DW Amaharic. The festivities paid tribute to Irecha Hora. Abagheda and Abmalekja were present at the preparation site for the Arecha ceremony, where they facilitated the proceedings, and the fathers commenced the Arecha ceremony with an official inauguration.
The festival’s audience, which filled the cross square and the area known as Dololo Budena behind Stephen’s Church, successfully navigated the frequent checks and stringent surveillance imposed by security forces. Consequently, the festival concluded without incident. We encountered Abageda Gebeye Ajema at the same location during Arecha and engaged in conversation. “It is twofold. What we are celebrating now includes Irecha Beera, where we express gratitude to the creator for guiding us from winter to beer, and Irecha Arfasa, which we observe before transitioning from summer to winter, during which we make an oath to the creator.” He further elaborated that the festival symbolizes reconciliation, unity, and peace.
Abagheda Gebeyehu shared his perspective on the festival’s celebration: “During the festival, distinctions of tribe, nation, and religion are set aside.”
Ayu Korsa Debala from Addis Ababa also mentioned that this marks their sixth visit to the venue this year. He expressed his belief that Irecha Hora Addis Ababa, celebrated for the sixth time this year, is notably different. “I have observed that the lighting and the overall organization are significantly improved,” he remarked.
Numerous participants from various Oromia zones and different regions of Ethiopia attended the event. Argeta Dike, a local elder from the Sidama region, expressed his views, stating that “Erecha symbolizes the progress of Ethiopian nationalities in cultivating a shared culture of festival celebrations.”
Isaac Lolom, a participant from Gedeo Zone, also shared his perspective, remarking, “I found the festival to be vibrant and engaging, fostering significant social interaction.”
During the festival, young people donned cultural attire, emphasizing the essence of Erecha. Bona Abdalbi, from the Kaliti area, along with 20 friends dressed in matching outfits, articulated his thoughts, saying, “We’re here wearing the same clothes year after year,” he said.
His Lord
John the Baptist
Source- DW Amharic
This is unbiased reporting by DW. Ireechaa is a festival of Thanksgiving, peace and harmonious living. Sadly so, it has been misunderstood, misinterpreted and intentionally misused by connivers and bigots. My very dear brothers and sisters! Take a bow from this beyond-repair Afro-Ethio-Centric high mileage countryman wishing you a happy Ireechaa.
Meanwhile, I hope someone close to this lumberjack of Oromia Region and would tell him to watch his language. I am talking about Al-Toweel Shimelis Abdisa. Ireechaa is a festival of Thanksgiving promoting peace and harmony among people. It should not be politicized and used to bully innocent citizens. I can sense why he is doing this. He is allegedly in charge of a highly secretive security outfit in his administration that is accused of gross human rights violations including mass arrests, extrajudicial executions in Oromia region and almost all of them are said to be Oromos. He may be trying to save his skin from possible future prosecution. I don’t want to repeat what he said but it showed me that his body had grown faster than his brain. Somebody above him should have a serious sit-down with him and pinch his moving lips. It has to stop.