Snapshots along with Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in downtown the city center for the yearly gratitude celebration this weekend.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest community, and takes place at the end of the land's main wet season.
Annually, festival-goers come together around revered natural water sources to show appreciation to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have provided.
"I've attended Irreecha for the previous nine years," mentioned 25-year-old one attendee.
"In my view, Irreecha represents my cultural background, it showcases the honor and significance of my people."
Men, women, the elderly and the youth all take part, ornamented in attention-grabbing attire and accessories.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, share stories and arrange recently harvested green plants and blossoms in water - representing life, renewal and optimism.
Global Attendance
Irreecha brings in people from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from internationally.
"I attended the previous year - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I invited my kids with me currently," mentioned an international guest, originating from abroad.
"It is amazing. Everybody greets you, each person shows warmth and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Schedule
The first day of the event took place on the weekend in the capital. On the following day, celebrants made their way to Bishoftu, a settlement close to the capital.
Even though this celebration has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the majority of the Oromo people, regardless of their religion.
Contemporary Developments
In the last ten years, the figure of people participating in the festival has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the expansion of online networks, where many younger generation capture their clothing, dance moves and singing during the festival.
Historical Context
In the previous years, the festival was used as a stage for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an focus on celebration, solidarity and ethnic identity.
