Snapshots as well as Singing as Ethiopians Observe Gratitude Festival
Countless individuals of colorfully attired attendees assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo people, the predominant population group, and occurs at the completion of the nation's main wet season.
Each year, festival-goers come together around holy natural water sources to show appreciation to their creators for the greenery that the rains have brought.
"I've attended the festival for the last nine years," commented 25-year-old a participant.
"In my view, Irreecha represents my cultural background, it showcases the honor and significance of my people."
Males, females, the elderly and the young all take part, adorned in eye-catching garments and ornaments.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, tell tales and deposit recently harvested green plants and flowers in the water - denoting vitality, rebirth and optimism.
Global Participation
The celebration does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, attendees travel from internationally.
"I came last year - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought along my children with me now," mentioned one visitor, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people greets you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and says welcome."
Celebration Program
The opening day of the festival was held on the weekend in the capital. On the following day, participants journeyed to a nearby town, a settlement just outside the capital.
Even though this celebration has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the larger part of the Oromo people, without consideration for their belief system.
Modern Changes
In the last ten years, the quantity of people attending the celebration has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the rise of social media, where many younger generation document their outfits, dance moves and vocal performances during the gathering.
Past Significance
In the past, this event was served as a venue for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an priority on celebration, unity and ethnic identity.
