Photos along with Singing as People of Ethiopia Observe Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of brightly clothed Ethiopians gathered in the heart of the city center for the annual Irreecha event over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo, the predominant population group, and occurs at the end of the nation's primary rainy season.
Every year, celebrants gather around sacred rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have brought.
"I've attended the festival for the last nine years," commented 25-year-old a participant.
"For me, Irreecha embodies my cultural background, it demonstrates the pride and importance of my community."
Men, females, the elderly and the young all join in, decorated in attention-grabbing attire and accessories.
They chant, dance, tell tales and deposit newly gathered green plants and flowers in liquid - denoting vitality, renewal and aspiration.
Global Attendance
Irreecha not only draws people from across Ethiopia, guests come from internationally.
"I came last year - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my kids with me now," expressed Claire, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people welcomes you, everyone offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Timeline
The initial day of the festival occurred on recently in Addis Ababa. On the next day, festival-goers travelled to Bishoftu, a community near the main city.
Although Irreecha has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the majority of the community, without consideration for their faith.
Contemporary Developments
In the last ten years, the quantity of participants joining the celebration has grown significantly. This is partially because of the expansion of digital platforms, where many younger generation capture their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the celebration.
Previous Background
In the past, this event was served as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
Nevertheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on joy, unity and ethnic identity.
