Photos and Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of vibrantly dressed attendees converged in central Addis Ababa for the annual thanksgiving festival during recent days.
Irreecha is observed by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest population group, and occurs at the completion of the nation's major rainy season.
Annually, participants assemble around holy rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have delivered.
"I have participated in the festival for the last nine years," mentioned young adult one attendee.
"For me, this event symbolizes my heritage, it showcases the dignity and significance of my ethnic group."
Males, ladies, the older generation and the youth all participate, decorated in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and arrange newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in water - representing vitality, regeneration and optimism.
Global Presence
The celebration brings in people from across Ethiopia, guests fly in from around the world.
"I visited last year - it was wonderful, so beautiful, I invited my kids with me now," expressed an international guest, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. All people welcomes you, everyone shows warmth and says welcome."
Event Schedule
The initial day of the festival took place on the weekend in the capital. On Sunday, celebrants made their way to Bishoftu, a small town close to the main city.
Although this celebration has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the majority of the Oromo people, irrespective of their faith.
Modern Developments
In the last ten years, the quantity of people joining the festival has increased dramatically. This is partially because of the rise of online networks, where numerous young people document their outfits, dance moves and musical expressions during the festival.
Previous Significance
In the earlier times, this event was served as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on celebration, unity and ethnic identity.
