Selfies along with Singing as Ethiopians Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of brightly clothed participants converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the yearly Irreecha event this weekend.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo community, the predominant community, and occurs at the end of the country's primary monsoon period.
Each year, celebrants gather around sacred natural water sources to express gratitude to their higher powers for the greenery that the rainy season have provided.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years," commented 25-year-old one attendee.
"To me, the celebration symbolizes my identity, it reflects the dignity and significance of my community."
Gentlemen, females, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, decorated in eye-catching attire and accessories.
They sing, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and place recently harvested green plants and blossoms in the water - representing vitality, rebirth and hope.
International Attendance
The celebration does not only attract people from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees fly in from around the world.
"I attended last year - it was so good, so beautiful, I brought my children with me this year," mentioned Claire, from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people greets you, everyone shows warmth and offers greetings."
Event Timeline
The initial day of the festival occurred on Saturday in the main city. On Sunday, participants travelled to a nearby town, a settlement close to the capital.
Even though this celebration has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the majority of the community, without consideration for their faith.
Contemporary Developments
In the last ten years, the figure of participants attending the celebration has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the rise of digital platforms, where various younger generation record their outfits, dance moves and singing during the celebration.
Past Context
In the previous years, the festival was served as a venue for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about political and economic marginalisation.
Nevertheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an priority on celebration, solidarity and heritage appreciation.
