Snapshots along with Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Gratitude Festival
A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the annual gratitude celebration during recent days.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest community, and takes place at the end of the country's major rainy season.
Every year, celebrants assemble around holy rivers and lakes to give thanks to their divine beings for the lush vegetation that the rains have delivered.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the previous nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old one attendee.
"To me, Irreecha symbolizes my heritage, it demonstrates the dignity and significance of my community."
Males, women, the elderly and the young all join in, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They sing, perform traditional dances, share stories and arrange recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in water - symbolizing life, rebirth and aspiration.
Worldwide Attendance
This festival brings in individuals from across Ethiopia, visitors come from globally.
"I attended the previous year - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought my children with me currently," expressed Claire, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone greets you, all attendees offers affection and offers greetings."
Festival Program
The opening day of the festival was held on Saturday in the main city. On the next day, celebrants travelled to a provincial location, a settlement near the main city.
Although Irreecha has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the bulk of the Oromo people, without consideration for their belief system.
Contemporary Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of individuals joining the festival has increased dramatically. This is partially because of the expansion of online networks, where various young people document their outfits, traditional dances and vocal performances during the festival.
Historical Significance
In the past, the festival was functioned as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an focus on joy, togetherness and ethnic identity.
