Snapshots as well as Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in central the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo, the biggest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the nation's primary wet season.
Every year, participants assemble around holy rivers and lakes to express gratitude to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have delivered.
"I have participated in the festival for the previous nine years," stated young adult one attendee.
"In my view, this event represents my cultural background, it reflects the pride and significance of my people."
Men, women, the elderly and the young all participate, decorated in striking garments and jewellery.
They vocalize, dance, share stories and arrange newly gathered green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing vitality, rebirth and aspiration.
Global Presence
Irreecha not only draws individuals from across Ethiopia, visitors come from around the world.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought my kids with me now," said an international guest, from abroad.
"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and says welcome."
Celebration Schedule
The initial day of the celebration took place on recently in Addis Ababa. On the next day, participants made their way to Bishoftu, a community close to the main city.
While this celebration has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the majority of Oromos, irrespective of their belief system.
Recent Trends
In the past decade, the number of people participating in the festival has grown significantly. This is partially because of the growth of social media, where numerous youth record their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the celebration.
Previous Significance
In the past, Irreecha was functioned as a platform for public dissent - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an focus on happiness, togetherness and ethnic identity.
