Photos and Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed participants converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the annual thanksgiving festival over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest community, and is held at the end of the country's primary wet season.
Every year, participants assemble around revered water bodies to show appreciation to their divine beings for the greenery that the rains have delivered.
"I have participated in this celebration for the past nine years," commented young adult one attendee.
"For me, Irreecha symbolizes my identity, it demonstrates the dignity and significance of my ethnic group."
Males, females, the elderly and the youth all take part, ornamented in eye-catching garments and jewellery.
They vocalize, dance, exchange narratives and place newly gathered green plants and flowers in water - symbolizing life, regeneration and hope.
International Presence
Irreecha not only draws individuals from throughout the country, attendees fly in from internationally.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my children with me currently," mentioned Claire, from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. Everyone greets you, all attendees offers affection and offers greetings."
Festival Schedule
The opening day of the celebration was held on recently in the capital. On Sunday, participants made their way to Bishoftu, a settlement close to the main city.
Even though the festival has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the larger part of the community, without consideration for their faith.
Contemporary Trends
In the recent years, the quantity of participants attending the event has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the rise of digital platforms, where many younger generation document their attire, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Past Context
In the past, the festival was functioned as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an priority on joy, togetherness and ethnic identity.
