Snapshots as well as Singing as Ethiopians Mark Thanksgiving

Countless individuals of brightly clothed participants converged in central the city center for the traditional thanksgiving festival during recent days.

The festival is celebrated by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and is held at the completion of the land's primary wet season.

Each year, festival-goers come together around sacred natural water sources to give thanks to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have brought.

"I've been celebrating this celebration for the last nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.

"To me, Irreecha symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the honor and significance of my community."

Men, ladies, the senior citizens and the young all participate, adorned in striking clothes and jewellery.

They vocalize, perform traditional dances, tell tales and arrange newly gathered green plants and floral arrangements in water - denoting existence, renewal and hope.

Worldwide Participation

Irreecha brings in participants from across Ethiopia, attendees travel from internationally.

"I visited the previous year - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I invited my children with me this year," said Claire, from Northern Ireland.

"It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, everyone shows warmth and offers greetings."

Festival Program

The opening day of the festival took place on Saturday in Addis Ababa. On the following day, festival-goers made their way to a provincial location, a community close to the main city.

Even though Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now celebrated by the bulk of the Oromo people, irrespective of their religion.

Modern Developments

In the recent years, the number of people participating in the celebration has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where many young people record their outfits, dance moves and vocal performances during the festival.

Historical Context

In the previous years, this event was served as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.

However, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an focus on happiness, solidarity and cultural pride.