Selfies and Singing as Ethiopians Mark Thanksgiving
A multitude of vibrantly dressed Ethiopians converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the annual thanksgiving festival during recent days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo community, the biggest ethnic group, and is held at the completion of the nation's primary monsoon period.
Annually, participants gather around revered natural water sources to give thanks to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've been celebrating the festival for the previous nine years," mentioned young adult one attendee.
"To me, the celebration embodies my identity, it reflects the honor and importance of my community."
Men, females, the elderly and the young all participate, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and accessories.
They chant, perform traditional dances, tell tales and arrange recently harvested grass and flowers in water - denoting vitality, renewal and hope.
International Attendance
Irreecha does not only attract people from throughout the country, guests fly in from globally.
"I visited a year ago - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I invited my kids with me now," mentioned one visitor, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people welcomes you, each person offers affection and offers greetings."
Festival Program
The opening day of the celebration took place on Saturday in the capital. On the next day, celebrants journeyed to a nearby town, a small town just outside the urban center.
While Irreecha has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the bulk of Oromos, regardless of their belief system.
Modern Developments
In the recent years, the figure of individuals participating in the festival has increased dramatically. This is partially because of the growth of online networks, where numerous younger generation document their outfits, dance moves and vocal performances during the celebration.
Previous Background
In the earlier times, the festival was used as a stage for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an priority on celebration, unity and ethnic identity.
