Gada is a traditional system of governance used by the Oromo people in Ethiopia. The system regulates political, economic, social and religious activities of the community dealing with issues such as conflict resolution, reparation and protecting women’s rights. It serves as a mechanism for enforcing moral conduct, building social cohesion, and expressing forms of community culture.
The Oromo Thanks Giving Fesival – Irreechaa is celebrated on 04-05 October 2019 in Addis Ababa. They celebrate 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), new season after the dark and rainy winter season. The thanksgiving is celebrated at sacred lakes across Oromia and Hora Harsadi, Bishoftu, Oromia as a whole. Irreechaa means a celebration where people get together and perform their prayers and thanks giving to God.
On 3 October 2019, the Irreechaa 2019 Forum under the title “Irreechaa for peace and Unity” is conducted marking the eve of the Oromo thanks giving day 2019. During the Forum, three papers on the essence and relevance of Ireechaa ceremony presented and discussed emphasising the role of Irrecha as an essential ingenious instrument to promote social cohesion, togetherness and socio- cultural and economic transformation in Ethiopia.
The Gada System, which is the social, political and cultural reflection of the traditional Oromo people, was registered in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in October 2016.
