Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau announced that the first of its kind Irreecha Expo 2017 will be held from September 28 to October 4, 2024 at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center. Irreecha is the annual Oromo people Thanksgiving Day that is celebrated near the river banks or water, marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the new harvest. It usually takes place in late September or early October and is characterized by vibrant ceremonies, traditional music, dance, and rituals. In connection with this year's celebration, the expo has been designed to highlight the relationship between the Irreecha festival, economic benefits, and multiculturalism. It is anticipated that various segments of society, including traders and members of the Ethiopian diaspora, will participate at the expo which is expected to attract over 255 business firms to showcase their products and services. The event will feature commercial displays, cultural clothing and jewelry, handicrafts, traditional food fairs, musi c concerts, panel discussions, and other activities. According to Derara Ketema, the deputy head of Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Irreecha festival is a celebration of multiculturalism and a thanksgiving ceremony. At the Irreecha Exhibition and Bazaar not only showcases cultural significance but also highlights Irreecha's contributions to the economy. The expo was organized by the Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau in collaboration with other partners. Source: Ethiopian News Agency