Snapshots and Chanting as Ethiopians Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired participants converged in downtown the city center for the yearly Irreecha event during recent days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest population group, and takes place at the completion of the nation's main wet season.
Each year, celebrants assemble around revered rivers and lakes to express gratitude to their creators for the greenery that the rains have delivered.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the last nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"For me, Irreecha embodies my identity, it demonstrates the honor and importance of my ethnic group."
Men, females, the older generation and the young all take part, adorned in striking clothes and accessories.
They sing, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and deposit newly gathered grass and blossoms in water - denoting life, renewal and aspiration.
Global Attendance
The celebration does not only attract participants from all regions of Ethiopia, guests travel from globally.
"I attended last year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought along my kids with me this year," mentioned an international guest, from abroad.
"It's wonderful. Everybody wants to say hello, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Festival Timeline
The initial day of the celebration took place on recently in the main city. On the following day, celebrants travelled to a nearby town, a small town just outside the urban center.
While Irreecha has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the larger part of Oromos, regardless of their religion.
Recent Changes
In the last ten years, the figure of people joining the festival has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the growth of digital platforms, where many young people record their outfits, dance moves and musical expressions during the celebration.
Previous Context
In the earlier times, the festival was used as a stage for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on joy, solidarity and heritage appreciation.
