Selfies along with Melodies as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed attendees converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the yearly thanksgiving festival this weekend.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest community, and occurs at the completion of the country's major rainy season.
Annually, festival-goers gather around sacred rivers and lakes to give thanks to their creators for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided.
"I've attended this celebration for the previous nine years," stated 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"In my view, Irreecha embodies my heritage, it demonstrates the pride and importance of my community."
Males, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all participate, decorated in eye-catching attire and ornaments.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, share stories and arrange freshly cut grass and flowers in the water - denoting vitality, regeneration and aspiration.
International Presence
This festival brings in participants from throughout the country, visitors travel from internationally.
"I attended a year ago - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I invited my kids with me this year," said Claire, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everyone greets you, all attendees shows warmth and expresses hospitality."
Festival Program
The initial day of the festival was held on the weekend in the main city. On the following day, participants journeyed to Bishoftu, a settlement close to the urban center.
Even though this celebration has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the larger part of Oromos, without consideration for their religion.
Contemporary Trends
In the recent years, the number of participants joining the event has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the rise of digital platforms, where numerous youth record their attire, traditional dances and musical expressions during the festival.
Previous Context
In the earlier times, Irreecha was functioned as a venue for public dissent - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an priority on joy, unity and ethnic identity.
