Irreecha 2026 Celebrations, Cultural Events, and Great Run Underway in Finfinnee and Bishoftu

Various cultural and sporting events leading up to the 2026 Irreecha festival are taking place in Finfinnee, Bishoftu, and other parts of Oromia. According to Birhanu Bufee, Senior Advisor at the Oromia Culture and Sports Bureau, festivities began on Pagume 1 and feature Goobee and Shinooyyee cultural displays, forums, and the Miss Irreecha competition. The festival dates are set for October 3 (Hora Finfinnee) and October 4 (Hora Harsadii). A major highlight was the Great Irreecha Run, which attracted 50,000 participants, including 1,000 professional athletes. Organizers offered cash prizes of up to one million ETB for male and female race winners, setting a record for domestic athletics rewards in Ethiopia. Prominent figures such as Tirunesh Dibaba and Ethiopian Athletics Federation President Sileshi Sihine attended, highlighting the event's potential to boost tourism and athletic opportunities. Additionally, Urjii Biqilaa was crowned Miss Irreecha and pledged to promote Oromo culture and values throughout the coming year.