Photos and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed Ethiopians gathered in central the city center for the traditional thanksgiving festival over the past days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest population group, and occurs at the conclusion of the country's primary monsoon period.
Every year, celebrants come together around sacred water bodies to show appreciation to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rains have delivered.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the past nine years," stated young adult Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, Irreecha embodies my heritage, it showcases the pride and greatness of my ethnic group."
Men, women, the elderly and the youth all take part, adorned in striking garments and jewellery.
They sing, perform traditional dances, tell tales and place newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in the water - denoting existence, regeneration and optimism.
Global Attendance
This festival does not only attract participants from throughout the country, guests fly in from internationally.
"I came the previous year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my children with me currently," expressed Claire, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, each person offers affection and says welcome."
Festival Program
The initial day of the festival took place on the weekend in the capital. On the following day, festival-goers journeyed to a provincial location, a settlement close to the urban center.
Although this celebration has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the bulk of the Oromo people, regardless of their religion.
Recent Trends
In the recent years, the figure of participants participating in the event has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the rise of digital platforms, where various youth capture their outfits, dancing and musical expressions during the celebration.
Past Context
In the past, Irreecha was used as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, togetherness and ethnic identity.
