Snapshots and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Gratitude Festival
Countless individuals of brightly clothed participants assembled in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the traditional Irreecha event over the past days.
Irreecha is observed by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and is held at the completion of the land's main monsoon period.
Each year, celebrants assemble around holy rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have provided.
"I've attended Irreecha for the past nine years," stated young adult a participant.
"In my view, this event embodies my heritage, it demonstrates the honor and importance of my people."
Men, ladies, the senior citizens and the young all join in, decorated in attention-grabbing attire and accessories.
They chant, dance, share stories and arrange freshly cut green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing existence, rebirth and aspiration.
International Attendance
The celebration does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, guests travel from globally.
"I attended last year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I invited my offspring with me this year," mentioned an international guest, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. All people welcomes you, each person shows warmth and expresses hospitality."
Festival Timeline
The first day of the festival occurred on the weekend in the main city. On the next day, celebrants made their way to a nearby town, a small town near the capital.
Even though this celebration has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the majority of the Oromo people, regardless of their belief system.
Modern Changes
In the past decade, the number of participants joining the event has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the expansion of digital platforms, where numerous younger generation capture their outfits, dance moves and vocal performances during the festival.
Past Background
In the previous years, this event was served as a platform for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an priority on joy, unity and ethnic identity.
