Selfies along with Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in downtown the city center for the yearly Irreecha event during recent days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest community, and occurs at the conclusion of the nation's main monsoon period.
Each year, participants gather around revered water bodies to show appreciation to their divine beings for the lush vegetation that the rains have delivered.
"I've attended this celebration for the past nine years," mentioned young adult Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, Irreecha symbolizes my heritage, it showcases the honor and greatness of my ethnic group."
Males, females, the older generation and the youth all join in, decorated in eye-catching clothes and jewellery.
They sing, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and place newly gathered foliage and flowers in liquid - symbolizing vitality, regeneration and hope.
International Presence
This festival brings in people from throughout the country, visitors travel from internationally.
"I attended a year ago - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my children with me currently," mentioned Claire, from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, all attendees offers affection and offers greetings."
Event Schedule
The opening day of the celebration was held on recently in the main city. On Sunday, participants made their way to a provincial location, a settlement close to the capital.
Although the festival has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the majority of Oromos, regardless of their faith.
Recent Changes
In the past decade, the number of participants joining the celebration has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the growth of social media, where numerous younger generation document their attire, dancing and singing during the festival.
Past Context
In the earlier times, this event was used as a platform for public dissent - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
However, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an priority on happiness, togetherness and ethnic identity.
