Selfies and Melodies as Ethiopians Observe Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of colorfully attired Ethiopians gathered in downtown the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival during recent days.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo community, the predominant population group, and is held at the conclusion of the country's primary monsoon period.
Annually, celebrants assemble around revered rivers and lakes to express gratitude to their divine beings for the greenery that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the last nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"In my view, Irreecha symbolizes my heritage, it showcases the honor and importance of my community."
Gentlemen, ladies, the elderly and the younger generation all join in, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and jewellery.
They chant, perform traditional dances, tell tales and place recently harvested grass and flowers in water - symbolizing vitality, renewal and optimism.
Worldwide Attendance
The celebration not only draws participants from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from internationally.
"I came a year ago - it was so good, so beautiful, I brought my offspring with me this year," mentioned an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. Everyone wants to say hello, all attendees shows warmth and offers greetings."
Celebration Schedule
The opening day of the event occurred on the weekend in the main city. On the following day, festival-goers journeyed to Bishoftu, a community near the main city.
Even though Irreecha has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the larger part of the community, regardless of their belief system.
Contemporary Trends
In the past decade, the number of participants attending the festival has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the expansion of digital platforms, where numerous youth capture their attire, dancing and singing during the gathering.
Previous Context
In the previous years, this event was functioned as a stage for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
However, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, togetherness and cultural pride.
