Snapshots and Melodies as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired Ethiopians gathered in central Ethiopia's capital for the traditional Irreecha event during recent days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest community, and takes place at the conclusion of the country's main wet season.
Each year, participants come together around revered rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their higher powers for the greenery that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've attended the festival for the past nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, the celebration represents my cultural background, it reflects the dignity and importance of my community."
Males, ladies, the senior citizens and the young all take part, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and ornaments.
They sing, perform traditional dances, tell tales and arrange newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in water - symbolizing life, regeneration and aspiration.
Global Attendance
This festival not only draws participants from throughout the country, guests travel from globally.
"I came a year ago - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I invited my children with me now," expressed Claire, from abroad.
"It's incredible. Everybody welcomes you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Event Schedule
The first day of the festival took place on Saturday in Addis Ababa. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a community near the urban center.
While the festival has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the bulk of the community, without consideration for their belief system.
Contemporary Trends
In the recent years, the figure of individuals joining the festival has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the rise of online networks, where numerous younger generation capture their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the gathering.
Previous Significance
In the previous years, Irreecha was functioned as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
However, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on celebration, unity and heritage appreciation.
