Photos and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired participants converged in central Ethiopia's capital for the annual Irreecha event during recent days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo community, the biggest community, and is held at the end of the country's main rainy season.
Annually, participants gather around holy natural water sources to express gratitude to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the last nine years," stated young adult one attendee.
"In my view, the celebration represents my identity, it demonstrates the honor and significance of my ethnic group."
Males, ladies, the older generation and the young all participate, adorned in eye-catching attire and jewellery.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit recently harvested grass and floral arrangements in the water - symbolizing vitality, renewal and hope.
Worldwide Presence
The celebration does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, guests fly in from internationally.
"I attended the previous year - it was so good, so beautiful, I invited my children with me currently," said Claire, hailing from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people welcomes you, all attendees offers affection and says welcome."
Celebration Program
The first day of the celebration took place on recently in the main city. On the next day, participants travelled to a nearby town, a small town near the main city.
While Irreecha has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the majority of the Oromo people, regardless of their belief system.
Contemporary Changes
In the past decade, the figure of people attending the event has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where numerous younger generation record their clothing, traditional dances and vocal performances during the celebration.
Previous Context
In the past, the festival was used as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an priority on celebration, unity and cultural pride.
