Snapshots as well as Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Gratitude Festival
A multitude of brightly clothed attendees gathered in downtown the city center for the annual Irreecha event this weekend.
The festival is observed by the Oromo community, the biggest population group, and takes place at the conclusion of the country's primary rainy season.
Each year, participants gather around revered rivers and lakes to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have provided.
"I've attended the festival for the past nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"In my view, this event embodies my identity, it reflects the pride and greatness of my people."
Gentlemen, females, the elderly and the youth all participate, decorated in attention-grabbing garments and ornaments.
They sing, move rhythmically, share stories and deposit freshly cut foliage and blossoms in liquid - symbolizing life, regeneration and aspiration.
International Participation
This festival brings in individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors come from internationally.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I invited my kids with me this year," expressed an international guest, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. All people welcomes you, everyone offers affection and offers greetings."
Celebration Schedule
The opening day of the celebration occurred on recently in the capital. On the next day, celebrants made their way to a nearby town, a small town close to the capital.
While the festival has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the larger part of the Oromo people, regardless of their belief system.
Contemporary Changes
In the recent years, the number of people attending the event has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the rise of online networks, where various young people capture their attire, traditional dances and vocal performances during the festival.
Previous Context
In the earlier times, the festival was functioned as a stage for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an emphasis on joy, solidarity and heritage appreciation.
