Selfies along with Chanting as Ethiopians Observe Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of vibrantly dressed participants assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the yearly thanksgiving festival during recent days.
The festival is honored by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest community, and is held at the end of the land's major wet season.
Annually, festival-goers assemble around sacred natural water sources to express gratitude to their creators for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have delivered.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the past nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"In my view, Irreecha symbolizes my cultural background, it demonstrates the honor and greatness of my ethnic group."
Gentlemen, women, the older generation and the youth all take part, ornamented in striking garments and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and arrange newly gathered foliage and floral arrangements in the water - representing vitality, renewal and hope.
International Presence
Irreecha does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, guests travel from around the world.
"I attended the previous year - it was so good, so spectacular, I invited my kids with me now," mentioned an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Event Program
The initial day of the celebration took place on the weekend in the main city. On Sunday, celebrants made their way to a nearby town, a settlement just outside the capital.
Although this celebration has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now celebrated by the majority of the community, regardless of their belief system.
Contemporary Trends
In the last ten years, the figure of participants participating in the festival has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the rise of social media, where many young people record their attire, dancing and singing during the gathering.
Historical Background
In the earlier times, the festival was served as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an priority on happiness, unity and cultural pride.
