Snapshots along with Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival
A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in the heart of Ethiopia's capital for the annual gratitude celebration over the past days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest ethnic group, and takes place at the end of the country's main wet season.
Every year, participants gather around holy rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their creators for the lush vegetation that the precipitation have brought.
"I have participated in this celebration for the last nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old one attendee.
"In my view, Irreecha embodies my cultural background, it showcases the dignity and greatness of my ethnic group."
Males, women, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, ornamented in striking garments and ornaments.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, share stories and place recently harvested foliage and flowers in liquid - symbolizing vitality, regeneration and hope.
International Attendance
The celebration not only draws people from throughout the country, attendees come from around the world.
"I visited a year ago - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I invited my offspring with me currently," said an international guest, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everybody wants to say hello, everyone shows warmth and offers greetings."
Festival Timeline
The opening day of the celebration occurred on Saturday in the capital. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a small town close to the main city.
Although the festival has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of the community, without consideration for their religion.
Modern Developments
In the recent years, the figure of participants participating in the celebration has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the rise of social media, where numerous youth document their clothing, dance moves and singing during the festival.
Previous Context
In the previous years, the festival was used as a stage for public dissent - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on celebration, solidarity and heritage appreciation.
