Photos and Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired participants assembled in central Addis Ababa for the yearly Irreecha event during recent days.
This thanksgiving celebration is observed by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest population group, and is held at the conclusion of the country's main wet season.
Every year, participants come together around sacred water bodies to express gratitude to their divine beings for the greenery that the rains have delivered.
"I have participated in the festival for the last nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"For me, Irreecha symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the pride and importance of my community."
Men, females, the older generation and the youth all join in, ornamented in striking clothes and ornaments.
They chant, move rhythmically, tell tales and deposit recently harvested green plants and blossoms in the water - representing vitality, renewal and aspiration.
Global Participation
The celebration brings in people from throughout the country, visitors fly in from internationally.
"I visited the previous year - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my children with me now," mentioned Claire, originating from abroad.
"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Event Program
The opening day of the event was held on recently in the capital. On the next day, participants travelled to a provincial location, a settlement close to the main city.
Even though Irreecha has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the bulk of the community, irrespective of their religion.
Recent Trends
In the last ten years, the figure of individuals participating in the event has grown significantly. This is partially because of the rise of social media, where numerous youth record their attire, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Past Significance
In the earlier times, the festival was functioned as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
However, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, unity and ethnic identity.
