Selfies and Melodies as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired participants converged in downtown the city center for the annual Irreecha event during recent days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo people, the biggest community, and takes place at the completion of the nation's major rainy season.
Annually, festival-goers assemble around revered water bodies to give thanks to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"In my view, Irreecha represents my heritage, it reflects the honor and importance of my people."
Males, ladies, the senior citizens and the younger generation all join in, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They chant, move rhythmically, share stories and deposit freshly cut foliage and floral arrangements in water - denoting existence, renewal and optimism.
International Presence
This festival does not only attract individuals from throughout the country, attendees fly in from around the world.
"I attended a year ago - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought along my offspring with me this year," expressed Claire, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. All people greets you, everyone shows warmth and expresses hospitality."
Event Program
The first day of the festival was held on the weekend in Addis Ababa. On the next day, celebrants journeyed to a nearby town, a community near the main city.
While Irreecha has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of the Oromo people, irrespective of their faith.
Contemporary Developments
In the recent years, the number of people joining the event has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the rise of online networks, where various younger generation document their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the celebration.
Previous Background
In the previous years, this event was functioned as a platform for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
Nevertheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an priority on happiness, unity and cultural pride.
