Selfies along with Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the annual Irreecha event during recent days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and takes place at the conclusion of the land's major wet season.
Each year, participants gather around revered rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have brought.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the previous nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old one attendee.
"To me, the celebration embodies my cultural background, it reflects the honor and significance of my community."
Males, females, the elderly and the youth all participate, adorned in attention-grabbing garments and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and deposit freshly cut grass and blossoms in the water - symbolizing life, rebirth and hope.
Global Participation
The celebration not only draws individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from internationally.
"I came the previous year - it was so good, so beautiful, I invited my children with me this year," mentioned an international guest, from abroad.
"It's wonderful. Everyone wants to say hello, each person offers affection and says welcome."
Event Timeline
The opening day of the event occurred on the weekend in the main city. On the next day, participants made their way to a provincial location, a settlement close to the capital.
Even though Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the bulk of Oromos, irrespective of their religion.
Modern Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of participants joining the festival has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the rise of online networks, where many young people document their clothing, traditional dances and musical expressions during the festival.
Previous Significance
In the previous years, Irreecha was served as a platform for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about social exclusion.
However, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an emphasis on celebration, togetherness and cultural pride.
