Snapshots along with Singing as Ethiopians Observe Gratitude Festival
A multitude of vibrantly dressed attendees assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the yearly Irreecha event during recent days.
The festival is honored by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest population group, and occurs at the completion of the nation's main wet season.
Each year, celebrants gather around sacred water bodies to show appreciation to their higher powers for the lush vegetation that the precipitation have delivered.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the previous nine years," commented young adult one attendee.
"In my view, Irreecha represents my cultural background, it reflects the honor and importance of my ethnic group."
Men, females, the older generation and the young all take part, ornamented in eye-catching attire and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and arrange recently harvested grass and floral arrangements in liquid - denoting vitality, rebirth and optimism.
International Presence
This festival not only draws individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, guests come from globally.
"I visited last year - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought along my offspring with me currently," mentioned an international guest, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone welcomes you, all attendees shows warmth and offers greetings."
Celebration Schedule
The initial day of the festival was held on recently in the capital. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a small town near the urban center.
While the festival has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the majority of the community, irrespective of their belief system.
Contemporary Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of participants attending the celebration has grown significantly. This is partly due to the expansion of online networks, where numerous youth record their outfits, dancing and singing during the celebration.
Historical Significance
In the past, Irreecha was functioned as a stage for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have long complained about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on celebration, solidarity and cultural pride.
