Photos along with Melodies as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival
A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians gathered in central Addis Ababa for the yearly gratitude celebration over the past days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest population group, and takes place at the conclusion of the nation's major rainy season.
Every year, participants assemble around revered water bodies to give thanks to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have brought.
"I've attended this celebration for the past nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, the celebration symbolizes my heritage, it showcases the dignity and significance of my people."
Males, ladies, the older generation and the young all take part, decorated in attention-grabbing attire and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and deposit recently harvested grass and floral arrangements in liquid - representing life, rebirth and hope.
Global Attendance
The celebration does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, guests travel from around the world.
"I came last year - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought along my offspring with me currently," mentioned one visitor, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everybody wants to say hello, each person offers affection and offers greetings."
Festival Timeline
The opening day of the event was held on recently in the main city. On the next day, participants made their way to Bishoftu, a community close to the urban center.
While the festival has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the majority of the Oromo people, without consideration for their belief system.
Contemporary Trends
In the last ten years, the quantity of individuals participating in the event has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the rise of social media, where numerous youth document their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the gathering.
Past Context
In the earlier times, Irreecha was used as a platform for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have long complained about social exclusion.
However, the recent event took place calmly, with an emphasis on happiness, solidarity and cultural pride.
