Snapshots along with Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of brightly clothed attendees assembled in central Addis Ababa for the annual gratitude celebration during recent days.
The festival is celebrated by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest population group, and is held at the conclusion of the land's primary monsoon period.
Every year, celebrants gather around sacred natural water sources to express gratitude to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have delivered.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the previous nine years," mentioned 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"In my view, Irreecha symbolizes my identity, it demonstrates the pride and greatness of my ethnic group."
Men, females, the senior citizens and the young all join in, decorated in attention-grabbing garments and accessories.
They sing, dance, exchange narratives and arrange recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing vitality, regeneration and optimism.
Global Presence
Irreecha does not only attract individuals from across Ethiopia, attendees travel from internationally.
"I attended last year - it was so good, so spectacular, I invited my children with me currently," mentioned Claire, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. All people greets you, all attendees shows warmth and offers greetings."
Festival Timeline
The initial day of the festival took place on the weekend in Addis Ababa. On the next day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a community near the capital.
While 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.
Contemporary Developments
In the recent years, the figure of individuals participating in the event has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the growth of digital platforms, where various young people document their outfits, dance moves and musical expressions during the gathering.
Past Background
In the past, Irreecha was functioned as a platform for public dissent - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an focus on celebration, unity and cultural pride.
