Snapshots as well as Chanting as Ethiopians Mark Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed attendees converged in the heart of the city center for the traditional thanksgiving festival during recent days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest community, and takes place at the completion of the land's primary wet season.
Annually, participants assemble around revered water bodies to express gratitude to their higher powers for the greenery that the rainy season have brought.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the past nine years," mentioned 25-year-old a participant.
"To me, this event symbolizes my cultural background, it demonstrates the honor and importance of my people."
Males, women, the elderly and the younger generation all participate, decorated in eye-catching clothes and ornaments.
They chant, perform traditional dances, share stories and deposit newly gathered foliage and floral arrangements in liquid - representing vitality, renewal and optimism.
Global Attendance
The celebration brings in people from across Ethiopia, guests come from globally.
"I visited last year - the experience was amazing, so spectacular, I brought my kids with me currently," expressed one visitor, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. Everyone welcomes you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and says welcome."
Festival Program
The first day of the celebration took place on the weekend in Addis Ababa. On the next day, festival-goers journeyed to Bishoftu, a small town just outside the urban center.
While Irreecha has its foundations in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of the community, without consideration for their faith.
Recent Changes
In the last ten years, the quantity of people joining the celebration has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the expansion of digital platforms, where many younger generation record their clothing, dancing and singing during the celebration.
Historical Context
In the past, this event was served as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
Nevertheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an focus on celebration, solidarity and ethnic identity.
