Snapshots and Melodies as People of Ethiopia Observe Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed attendees gathered in downtown Addis Ababa for the annual Irreecha event over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo community, the predominant population group, and occurs at the end of the country's primary wet season.
Each year, participants assemble around revered rivers and lakes to express gratitude to their creators for the lush vegetation that the precipitation have delivered.
"I've attended the festival for the past nine years," stated young adult one attendee.
"For me, Irreecha symbolizes my heritage, it demonstrates the honor and importance of my ethnic group."
Males, women, the senior citizens and the young all take part, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They chant, move rhythmically, tell tales and deposit freshly cut grass and blossoms in liquid - denoting existence, rebirth and optimism.
Worldwide Attendance
Irreecha brings in individuals from throughout the country, guests travel from internationally.
"I attended a year ago - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I invited my kids with me this year," mentioned an international guest, originating from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. Everyone wants to say hello, each person shows warmth and offers greetings."
Event Timeline
The first day of the celebration took place on Saturday in the capital. On Sunday, celebrants made their way to a provincial location, a settlement near the capital.
Although the festival has its foundations in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the larger part of Oromos, without consideration for their belief system.
Modern Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of people joining the festival has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the rise of social media, where many young people record their clothing, dance moves and vocal performances during the gathering.
Past Significance
In the earlier times, this event was functioned as a platform for public dissent - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an emphasis on happiness, solidarity and ethnic identity.
