Selfies as well as Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed attendees gathered in central Ethiopia's capital for the traditional gratitude celebration this weekend.
The festival is observed by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest population group, and takes place at the completion of the land's major monsoon period.
Each year, celebrants assemble around revered water bodies to express gratitude to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have brought.
"I've attended the festival for the last nine years," commented 25-year-old a participant.
"For me, this event embodies my heritage, it showcases the pride and significance of my community."
Men, females, the senior citizens and the younger generation all participate, adorned in striking garments and ornaments.
They chant, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and deposit freshly cut foliage and flowers in water - symbolizing vitality, regeneration and optimism.
Worldwide Attendance
The celebration not only draws participants from across Ethiopia, guests fly in from internationally.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought my children with me now," expressed Claire, hailing from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone greets you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Festival Timeline
The opening day of the festival occurred on the weekend in the main city. On the next day, celebrants travelled to a nearby town, a small town close to the urban center.
Although Irreecha has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the larger part of the Oromo people, irrespective of their belief system.
Modern Changes
In the past decade, the figure of people joining the celebration has grown significantly. This is partially because of the growth of digital platforms, where various younger generation document their attire, dance moves and vocal performances during the festival.
Previous Context
In the earlier times, Irreecha was used as a platform for public dissent - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on happiness, unity and ethnic identity.
