Selfies along with Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed attendees gathered in central Addis Ababa for the annual gratitude celebration over the past days.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest population group, and takes place at the completion of the country's main rainy season.
Every year, participants come together around sacred water bodies to express gratitude to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided.
"I have participated in the festival for the last nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"For me, Irreecha embodies my heritage, it reflects the pride and importance of my community."
Males, females, the older generation and the young all join in, decorated in eye-catching garments and ornaments.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit newly gathered green plants and flowers in the water - symbolizing life, renewal and hope.
International Presence
Irreecha not only draws individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees fly in from globally.
"I visited a year ago - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought along my offspring with me this year," expressed an international guest, originating from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone wants to say hello, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Event Schedule
The initial day of the event took place on the weekend in the main city. On Sunday, celebrants made their way to a provincial location, a small town close to the urban center.
Even though the festival has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the bulk of Oromos, regardless of their religion.
Modern Trends
In the past decade, the number of participants participating in the festival has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the rise of digital platforms, where numerous youth record their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Previous Significance
In the earlier times, this event was used as a venue for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.
However, the recent event took place calmly, with an priority on celebration, unity and cultural pride.
