Selfies as well as Chanting as People of Ethiopia Mark Annual Thanksgiving

A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in downtown the city center for the annual gratitude celebration this weekend.

The festival is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest community, and is held at the conclusion of the land's primary rainy season.

Annually, festival-goers gather around sacred natural water sources to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the rains have delivered.

"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the last nine years," commented 25-year-old one attendee.

"For me, this event symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the dignity and greatness of my community."

Males, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all join in, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and ornaments.

They chant, dance, share stories and place freshly cut grass and floral arrangements in the water - denoting vitality, regeneration and hope.

Worldwide Attendance

This festival does not only attract participants from all regions of Ethiopia, guests come from internationally.

"I visited the previous year - it was so good, so spectacular, I brought my kids with me this year," mentioned Claire, originating from abroad.

"It's incredible. Everyone wants to say hello, everyone shows warmth and offers greetings."

Festival Schedule

The opening day of the celebration occurred on Saturday in Addis Ababa. On Sunday, celebrants travelled to a nearby town, a settlement close to the capital.

Although Irreecha has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the majority of the community, regardless of their faith.

Recent Developments

In the recent years, the quantity of people attending the event has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the growth of online networks, where various youth capture their clothing, traditional dances and vocal performances during the gathering.

Previous Background

In the earlier times, this event was used as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.

However, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, unity and ethnic identity.