Snapshots along with Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival
A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the yearly gratitude celebration over the past days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the land's primary wet season.
Each year, festival-goers gather around holy water bodies to express gratitude to their divine beings for the greenery that the rains have delivered.
"I have participated in the festival for the past nine years," commented young adult Moata Abdulmajid.
"For me, this event symbolizes my cultural background, it demonstrates the dignity and importance of my community."
Men, women, the elderly and the young all join in, adorned in attention-grabbing garments and accessories.
They chant, move rhythmically, share stories and deposit recently harvested foliage and floral arrangements in liquid - symbolizing existence, renewal and optimism.
Global Presence
The celebration does not only attract individuals from across Ethiopia, guests travel from globally.
"I visited a year ago - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my offspring with me now," mentioned an international guest, originating from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everybody wants to say hello, each person wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Festival Schedule
The opening day of the festival occurred on Saturday in Addis Ababa. On the following day, participants travelled to a provincial location, a community near the capital.
While Irreecha has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now celebrated by the bulk of the Oromo people, irrespective of their faith.
Modern Trends
In the last ten years, the number of individuals participating in the celebration has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where numerous younger generation capture their attire, traditional dances and singing during the celebration.
Historical Context
In the previous years, the festival was served as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.
However, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an emphasis on happiness, unity and heritage appreciation.
