Photos as well as Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of vibrantly dressed participants assembled in central the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival during recent days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo people, the predominant community, and takes place at the end of the country's main monsoon period.
Every year, participants assemble around holy water bodies to show appreciation to their divine beings for the lush vegetation that the precipitation have brought.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the last nine years," stated young adult a participant.
"To me, this event represents my cultural background, it showcases the dignity and significance of my people."
Males, women, the senior citizens and the young all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing garments and ornaments.
They chant, dance, share stories and deposit freshly cut grass and blossoms in the water - representing life, rebirth and aspiration.
Worldwide Participation
Irreecha brings in people from across Ethiopia, visitors travel from around the world.
"I visited a year ago - the experience was amazing, so magnificent, I brought my kids with me this year," expressed one visitor, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everybody greets you, everyone shows warmth and says welcome."
Event Program
The initial day of the event took place on Saturday in Addis Ababa. On the next day, festival-goers made their way to a nearby town, a small town just outside the capital.
Although Irreecha has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now celebrated by the majority of the Oromo people, regardless of their religion.
Recent Developments
In the past decade, the number of people joining the celebration has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the growth of social media, where various youth capture their clothing, dancing and singing during the festival.
Previous Background
In the past, the festival was used as a stage for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on joy, togetherness and heritage appreciation.
