Photos and Chanting as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival
A multitude of colorfully attired attendees assembled in the heart of the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival during recent days.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo community, the biggest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the country's primary monsoon period.
Each year, participants assemble around revered water bodies to express gratitude to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have brought.
"I've been celebrating the festival for the previous nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"For me, this event represents my heritage, it showcases the dignity and importance of my ethnic group."
Males, women, the elderly and the young all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They sing, dance, tell tales and deposit freshly cut foliage and flowers in the water - representing life, regeneration and optimism.
Global Presence
This festival does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, visitors fly in from around the world.
"I visited the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I invited my offspring with me currently," said one visitor, from abroad.
"It's incredible. Everyone welcomes you, all attendees offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Festival Program
The initial day of the celebration took place on the weekend in Addis Ababa. On Sunday, celebrants journeyed to Bishoftu, a small town close to the main city.
Even though the festival has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the larger part of Oromos, regardless of their faith.
Contemporary Changes
In the recent years, the quantity of individuals joining the festival has increased dramatically. This is partially because of the rise of online networks, where many young people capture their outfits, dance moves and singing during the festival.
Historical Significance
In the previous years, the festival was served as a stage for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an emphasis on happiness, unity and heritage appreciation.
