Snapshots and Melodies as Ethiopians Mark Thanksgiving
A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians gathered in downtown the city center for the annual gratitude celebration over the past days.
The festival is honored by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest community, and takes place at the end of the country's primary monsoon period.
Annually, celebrants come together around holy water bodies to show appreciation to their creators for the greenery that the rainy season have provided.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the last nine years," mentioned young adult one attendee.
"In my view, the celebration embodies my cultural background, it demonstrates the honor and significance of my ethnic group."
Gentlemen, ladies, the elderly and the youth all take part, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and accessories.
They vocalize, dance, share stories and arrange freshly cut green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing life, renewal and hope.
International Participation
This festival brings in people from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees come from globally.
"I attended a year ago - it was wonderful, so beautiful, I brought my offspring with me this year," said an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. All people welcomes you, each person wants to give you a kiss and says welcome."
Celebration Program
The opening day of the festival was held on the weekend in the capital. On the next day, festival-goers travelled to a nearby town, a community near the main city.
Even though the festival has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now celebrated by the larger part of Oromos, irrespective of their belief system.
Contemporary Developments
In the past decade, the number of individuals participating in the event has grown significantly. This is partially because of the expansion of online networks, where numerous young people document their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Past Significance
In the previous years, this event was used as a stage for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages.
Nevertheless, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an emphasis on celebration, togetherness and cultural pride.
