Photos as well as Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of colorfully attired participants converged in the heart of the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival this weekend.
The festival is honored by the Oromo people, the predominant population group, and takes place at the completion of the nation's major rainy season.
Annually, celebrants gather around sacred rivers and lakes to give thanks to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have brought.
"I've attended the festival for the previous nine years," stated 25-year-old one attendee.
"To me, the celebration embodies my identity, it reflects the pride and importance of my ethnic group."
Males, females, the older generation and the youth all take part, adorned in striking attire and jewellery.
They chant, move rhythmically, tell tales and arrange recently harvested green plants and flowers in liquid - symbolizing life, renewal and aspiration.
Worldwide Attendance
Irreecha not only draws individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees travel from internationally.
"I came a year ago - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I invited my offspring with me now," expressed Claire, originating from abroad.
"It's incredible. All people greets you, all attendees offers affection and offers greetings."
Event Schedule
The opening day of the festival took place on recently in the main city. On the next day, participants journeyed to a nearby town, a settlement near the urban center.
Although the festival has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the majority of Oromos, irrespective of their belief system.
Recent Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of people participating in the festival has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the expansion of digital platforms, where various youth record their attire, dancing and singing during the gathering.
Previous Context
In the past, Irreecha was functioned as a platform for public dissent - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on happiness, solidarity and ethnic identity.
