Photos and Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed attendees converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the yearly Irreecha event over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo people, the predominant community, and occurs at the end of the nation's major monsoon period.
Each year, participants assemble around sacred water bodies to give thanks to their creators for the lush vegetation that the precipitation have provided.
"I have participated in this celebration for the last nine years," mentioned young adult Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, Irreecha embodies my heritage, it showcases the honor and greatness of my ethnic group."
Men, women, the older generation and the young all participate, decorated in striking attire and ornaments.
They chant, move rhythmically, tell tales and arrange recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing vitality, renewal and optimism.
Global Participation
Irreecha does not only attract participants from all regions of Ethiopia, guests come from globally.
"I visited last year - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I brought my children with me this year," expressed an international guest, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, each person shows warmth and says welcome."
Event Timeline
The first day of the festival was held on the weekend in the capital. On the next day, celebrants journeyed to a provincial location, a small town close to the capital.
While this celebration has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the larger part of Oromos, regardless of their belief system.
Modern Developments
In the past decade, the figure of participants attending the festival has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the growth of online networks, where various youth record their attire, dancing and singing during the festival.
Historical Context
In the earlier times, Irreecha was served as a platform for public dissent - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an focus on joy, unity and cultural pride.
