Selfies and Singing as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival
Countless individuals of colorfully attired Ethiopians gathered in the heart of Addis Ababa for the annual thanksgiving festival over the past days.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo, the biggest community, and takes place at the conclusion of the country's primary monsoon period.
Each year, participants assemble around sacred water bodies to express gratitude to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rains have provided.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the previous nine years," commented young adult Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, Irreecha represents my identity, it reflects the honor and importance of my ethnic group."
Gentlemen, females, the senior citizens and the youth all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and ornaments.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and place recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in the water - denoting vitality, rebirth and aspiration.
International Attendance
This festival brings in individuals from throughout the country, attendees fly in from globally.
"I came a year ago - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought along my offspring with me currently," expressed an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. All people welcomes you, everyone shows warmth and says welcome."
Festival Timeline
The initial day of the festival took place on the weekend in the main city. On the following day, participants travelled to a nearby town, a community near the urban center.
Although the festival has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the bulk of the Oromo people, irrespective of their belief system.
Contemporary Developments
In the past decade, the figure of people joining the event has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where many younger generation capture their attire, dancing and singing during the gathering.
Historical Context
In the past, this event was served as a venue for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an focus on celebration, solidarity and cultural pride.
