Photos and Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians converged in downtown the city center for the yearly Irreecha event this weekend.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the country's main wet season.
Every year, festival-goers come together around revered rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the past nine years," commented young adult one attendee.
"To me, this event embodies my cultural background, it reflects the dignity and significance of my ethnic group."
Men, women, the senior citizens and the young all participate, ornamented in striking clothes and jewellery.
They chant, dance, exchange narratives and place newly gathered grass and blossoms in water - symbolizing life, regeneration and optimism.
Global Participation
Irreecha brings in people from throughout the country, guests travel from globally.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so beautiful, I brought my kids with me currently," said one visitor, originating from abroad.
"It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, everyone shows warmth and says welcome."
Festival Schedule
The first day of the event was held on recently in Addis Ababa. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a settlement near the main city.
While the festival has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the larger part of Oromos, regardless of their religion.
Recent Changes
In the past decade, the quantity of participants attending the celebration has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the growth of online networks, where various younger generation document their attire, dance moves and musical expressions during the celebration.
Previous Background
In the previous years, Irreecha was used as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on happiness, solidarity and ethnic identity.
