Every October, the hills surrounding Asella transform into an open-air festival as thousands gather to honor Irreecha, Ethiopia’s colorful Thanksgiving celebration of gratitude and renewal. This event, held by the Oromo people, combines nature’s stirring autumn signals with deeply rooted cultural rituals. Unlike a typical hike, attending Irreecha invites you to step into a living tradition where the landscape is both stage and participant.

The gathering takes place at Me'ee Bokkoo, a site roughly 20 kilometers west of Asella town. Expect a journey through rolling fields and gentle elevations, climbing about 300 meters from Asella’s 2400 meter altitude. The terrain rides easy—mostly dirt paths weaving through open farmland and light forest patches that sway as if sharing the excitement. The river Mara dare you to cross its shallow streams, each ripple nudging the flow of the festival day.

Arriving early is crucial. The crowd swells quickly, and the full intensity of the event peaks in the late morning when ceremonial blessings and traditional songs amplify like the hills themselves responding to the call. The air carries fragrance of fresh grass and incense, while faces painted in ochre and green smile with wide anticipation. Vendors offer local treats—fresh butter coffee and injera wraps—to keep spirits fueled.

Planning your visit demands attention to physical and practical details. Solid footwear is non-negotiable; dusty trails become slick if rain arrives unannounced. Bring at least two liters of water, as vendors are sporadic along the footpaths. Timing your trip in late September to early October syncs you perfectly with the natural seasonal cycle of harvest and renewal that Irreecha celebrates. The October sun climbs steadily, so a hat and layered clothing will help manage shifting temperatures.

More than a visual spectacle, the Irreecha is an immersive dialogue between people and place. The hills seem to lean in; the wind carries songs across the fields, and the earth feels alive beneath every step. Participating here means respecting the fierce rhythms of a culture deeply attuned to nature’s cycles, experiencing gratitude as something intensely physical and present.

From casual visitors drawn by curiosity, to adventurers willing to embrace the unexpected crowd and elevated tempo, Irreecha in Asella offers a celebration both vivid and grounded. Expect challenges in crowd navigation and subtle shifts of weather, but also a return in shared smiles and open arms. The ritual’s spirit moves like the rivers—persistent but inviting, urging you forward into communal celebration and the adventure of connection.