Photos as well as Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Thanksgiving
A multitude of vibrantly dressed participants assembled in downtown Addis Ababa for the yearly thanksgiving festival this weekend.
Irreecha is observed by the Oromo people, the biggest population group, and is held at the completion of the nation's main wet season.
Every year, celebrants come together around sacred water bodies to show appreciation to their creators for the greenery that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've attended Irreecha for the past nine years," stated 25-year-old a participant.
"To me, the celebration embodies my heritage, it showcases the honor and greatness of my ethnic group."
Men, females, the elderly and the young all participate, decorated in eye-catching garments and ornaments.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit freshly cut grass and blossoms in the water - denoting life, renewal and aspiration.
International Participation
This festival not only draws people from throughout the country, visitors fly in from globally.
"I attended last year - it was so good, so beautiful, I brought along my kids with me now," expressed an international guest, originating from abroad.
"It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, everyone offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Festival Timeline
The first day of the festival was held on the weekend in the capital. On the following day, celebrants journeyed to a nearby town, a community near the main city.
Although Irreecha has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now celebrated by the majority of the community, irrespective of their religion.
Modern Trends
In the last ten years, the number of individuals joining the celebration has grown significantly. This is partially because of the rise of digital platforms, where various younger generation document their clothing, dancing and musical expressions during the celebration.
Past Context
In the previous years, Irreecha was used as a stage for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
Nevertheless, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an focus on happiness, solidarity and heritage appreciation.
