Selfies and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in downtown Addis Ababa for the annual thanksgiving festival this weekend.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo, the biggest population group, and is held at the end of the nation's primary monsoon period.
Every year, celebrants assemble around revered water bodies to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have delivered.
"I have participated in this celebration for the previous nine years," commented young adult one attendee.
"In my view, this event embodies my heritage, it demonstrates the dignity and importance of my ethnic group."
Men, women, the older generation and the younger generation all take part, adorned in attention-grabbing garments and jewellery.
They chant, dance, tell tales and arrange newly gathered grass and flowers in water - symbolizing existence, regeneration and optimism.
International Participation
The celebration brings in individuals from throughout the country, guests fly in from internationally.
"I attended a year ago - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought my children with me now," said an international guest, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone welcomes you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Program
The first day of the event occurred on Saturday in the main city. On the next day, participants made their way to a provincial location, a small town near the capital.
Although this celebration has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now celebrated by the bulk of the Oromo people, irrespective of their belief system.
Recent Developments
In the past decade, the quantity of individuals participating in the celebration has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the expansion of social media, where various younger generation record their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the festival.
Historical Significance
In the past, the festival was used as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an focus on joy, unity and heritage appreciation.
