Snapshots and Chanting as People of Ethiopia Observe Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of brightly clothed attendees converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the traditional Irreecha event over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo community, the predominant ethnic group, and takes place at the conclusion of the nation's major wet season.
Annually, festival-goers gather around revered rivers and lakes to express gratitude to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have provided.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the previous nine years," mentioned young adult a participant.
"In my view, Irreecha represents my identity, it demonstrates the honor and significance of my ethnic group."
Gentlemen, women, the senior citizens and the young all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They sing, dance, tell tales and deposit recently harvested grass and blossoms in the water - representing vitality, renewal and aspiration.
Worldwide Attendance
Irreecha brings in people from all regions of Ethiopia, guests fly in from internationally.
"I attended last year - it was wonderful, so beautiful, I brought my offspring with me now," expressed an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everybody greets you, each person offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Festival Schedule
The opening day of the celebration occurred on recently in the capital. On the next day, festival-goers made their way to a provincial location, a community just outside the capital.
While this celebration has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now celebrated by the larger part of the community, irrespective of their religion.
Modern Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of individuals joining the festival has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where many young people record their clothing, traditional dances and singing during the celebration.
Previous Significance
In the earlier times, Irreecha was used as a venue for public dissent - the Oromo community have long complained about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on happiness, unity and ethnic identity.
