Selfies along with Chanting as People of Ethiopia Observe Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of vibrantly dressed participants assembled in central Ethiopia's capital for the annual thanksgiving festival during recent days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo community, the predominant population group, and occurs at the completion of the nation's primary rainy season.
Every year, celebrants come together around holy natural water sources to give thanks to their divine beings for the lush vegetation that the rains have delivered.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years," stated 25-year-old a participant.
"In my view, Irreecha symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the pride and significance of my people."
Males, women, the senior citizens and the youth all join in, adorned in eye-catching attire and accessories.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, share stories and deposit freshly cut foliage and floral arrangements in liquid - denoting existence, renewal and aspiration.
Global Attendance
Irreecha does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, guests fly in from globally.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought along my kids with me now," mentioned Claire, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. Everybody wants to say hello, each person offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Event Timeline
The first day of the event took place on recently in the main city. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a community near the capital.
Even though Irreecha has its foundations in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of the Oromo people, regardless of their religion.
Contemporary Changes
In the last ten years, the number of participants joining the festival has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the expansion of online networks, where various younger generation capture their attire, dance moves and vocal performances during the celebration.
Past Significance
In the past, Irreecha was functioned as a stage for public dissent - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about political and economic marginalisation.
However, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on celebration, solidarity and ethnic identity.
