Snapshots as well as Singing as People of Ethiopia Mark Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired participants converged in downtown Addis Ababa for the traditional gratitude celebration during recent days.
The festival is honored by the Oromo people, the predominant community, and takes place at the conclusion of the nation's primary rainy season.
Each year, festival-goers assemble around sacred water bodies to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided.
"I have participated in this celebration for the last nine years," commented 25-year-old one attendee.
"To me, Irreecha embodies my heritage, it reflects the honor and greatness of my ethnic group."
Men, females, the older generation and the youth all take part, adorned in eye-catching clothes and jewellery.
They sing, dance, share stories and arrange freshly cut green plants and flowers in the water - denoting vitality, renewal and hope.
Worldwide Presence
This festival brings in individuals from across Ethiopia, visitors come from internationally.
"I came a year ago - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my kids with me now," said one visitor, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, everyone offers affection and offers greetings."
Celebration Schedule
The first day of the celebration was held on Saturday in the main city. On the next day, festival-goers journeyed to a provincial location, a settlement close to the capital.
Even though this celebration has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now celebrated by the larger part of the community, without consideration for their religion.
Recent Changes
In the last ten years, the number of people participating in the event has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the rise of social media, where various youth record their attire, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Historical Significance
In the past, the festival was functioned as a venue for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
However, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on celebration, unity and heritage appreciation.
