Buna Dhugaa: A Traditional Ethiopian Oromo Coffee Ceremony
Find out about the traditional coffee ceremony performed at the Oromia Tourism Commission offices
The Oromo Coffee Ceremony (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
Buna for the Oromo
Coffee (Buna) is an extremely important bean for Oromo people. Growing some of the tastiest highland coffee varieties such as Gujii, Jimma, Harar, and Limmu, Oromia is a powerhouse of coffee production. Production aside, coffee is the centre of social life in all of Oromia.
As part of the coffee ceremony coffee beans are roasted in front of the guests.
Smell the aroma
Once it reaches the desired roast, the smoking coffee is shared with guests to inhale the coffee aroma and flavor.
Buna fi Nagaa
A popular Oromo saying is "may you always have coffee and peace". The woman brewing the coffee brings joy and peace by wafting the aroma of the roasted coffee across the room and at her guests, where they are invited to inhale the roasted coffee.
After roasting, the coffee is ground in a small Mooyee fi Muktuma (mortar and pestle) (left), the coffee is then brewed inside a Jabanaa (center), and poured into little Shinii (cups) to be served.
Slow coffee, slow sips.
During the coffee ceremony, coffee is served in three rounds.
The Oromo Coffee Ceremony (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
Coffee connections
Coffee is a central element in all Oromo communities across Oromia. It is produced in many parts of the region and consumed everywhere in elaborate ceremonies up to three times a day. The brew is a primer for social calls and how the Oromo household displays hospitality.
Brought to you by the Oromia Tourism Commission in partnership with Laurendeau & Associates.
Written by Outdoor Ethiopia
Photographed By Berhanu Beyene, Abinet Teshome, & Aron Simeneh
Produced by Metasebia Yoseph & Lidya Gebrehanna for Laurendeau & Associates.
Music by Manuhe Negesse Gudina
Special Thanks To
Oromo Cultural Center for sharing their archive and artifacts.
Guzo Technology
Eternal Media
Nega Wedajo Werete
Hickson Debele
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.