Selfies and Chanting as People of Ethiopia Observe Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed Ethiopians gathered in central Ethiopia's capital for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest population group, and takes place at the end of the land's main wet season.
Every year, participants gather around revered water bodies to show appreciation to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rains have brought.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the last nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old one attendee.
"To me, Irreecha embodies my identity, it showcases the honor and significance of my ethnic group."
Gentlemen, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all participate, adorned in striking garments and ornaments.
They vocalize, dance, exchange narratives and arrange newly gathered green plants and flowers in liquid - denoting vitality, regeneration and hope.
International Presence
This festival does not only attract individuals from throughout the country, visitors travel from around the world.
"I came the previous year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my kids with me this year," expressed an international guest, from abroad.
"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Celebration Timeline
The first day of the festival was held on Saturday in the main city. On the next day, participants travelled to a nearby town, a community just outside the main city.
Even though this celebration has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now celebrated by the majority of Oromos, without consideration for their religion.
Contemporary Trends
In the recent years, the number of people joining the celebration has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the expansion of digital platforms, where various youth document their clothing, dance moves and singing during the gathering.
Historical Significance
In the previous years, Irreecha was served as a stage for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.
Nevertheless, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an focus on celebration, unity and heritage appreciation.
