Snapshots and Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed Ethiopians gathered in central the city center for the yearly gratitude celebration during recent days.
The festival is honored by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest community, and occurs at the end of the country's major wet season.
Each year, festival-goers gather around holy rivers and lakes to give thanks to their higher powers for the lush vegetation that the rains have delivered.
"I've attended Irreecha for the last nine years," mentioned 25-year-old one attendee.
"To me, this event embodies my heritage, it reflects the pride and significance of my people."
Males, ladies, the elderly and the youth all participate, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and ornaments.
They chant, dance, exchange narratives and arrange recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in the water - symbolizing life, regeneration and aspiration.
Global Participation
Irreecha does not only attract people from across Ethiopia, visitors travel from around the world.
"I visited last year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my children with me this year," mentioned one visitor, hailing from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. Everybody welcomes you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Event Program
The first day of the celebration occurred on recently in the main city. On the following day, participants travelled to Bishoftu, a community just outside the main city.
While the festival has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the bulk of Oromos, irrespective of their belief system.
Recent Trends
In the past decade, the figure of participants joining the festival has grown significantly. This is partially because of the rise of online networks, where numerous young people record their clothing, traditional dances and singing during the celebration.
Previous Background
In the earlier times, the festival was used as a venue for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have long complained about systemic disadvantages.
However, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an priority on celebration, unity and ethnic identity.
