Selfies along with Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the yearly Irreecha event during recent days.
Irreecha is observed by the Oromo people, the biggest community, and occurs at the conclusion of the land's main monsoon period.
Annually, festival-goers gather around sacred natural water sources to express gratitude to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rains have delivered.
"I've attended the festival for the past nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old one attendee.
"For me, the celebration symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the honor and importance of my community."
Gentlemen, ladies, the elderly and the young all join in, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and accessories.
They chant, dance, tell tales and place newly gathered green plants and blossoms in water - symbolizing life, regeneration and aspiration.
Worldwide Participation
The celebration does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, attendees come from internationally.
"I came the previous year - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I brought my offspring with me currently," said Claire, from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everybody wants to say hello, each person offers affection and offers greetings."
Festival Timeline
The opening day of the event took place on recently in the main city. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a small town near the main city.
Although Irreecha has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the bulk of Oromos, regardless of their faith.
Contemporary Developments
In the last ten years, the number of individuals participating in the celebration has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the growth of online networks, where many young people record their attire, traditional dances and singing during the gathering.
Previous Context
In the past, this event was used as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an focus on celebration, togetherness and cultural pride.
