Snapshots along with Chanting as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival
A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians gathered in central Addis Ababa for the yearly gratitude celebration over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and occurs at the completion of the land's major wet season.
Every year, celebrants gather around sacred water bodies to give thanks to their divine beings for the greenery that the rainy season have provided.
"I've attended Irreecha for the past nine years," stated 25-year-old a participant.
"In my view, Irreecha embodies my heritage, it demonstrates the pride and importance of my community."
Gentlemen, ladies, the older generation and the young all take part, decorated in striking attire and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, share stories and arrange recently harvested grass and blossoms in the water - symbolizing vitality, regeneration and optimism.
Worldwide Participation
This festival does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, guests fly in from globally.
"I visited last year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought my offspring with me currently," said one visitor, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone greets you, all attendees offers affection and says welcome."
Festival Timeline
The opening day of the festival took place on recently in the capital. On the next day, participants journeyed to a nearby town, a small town just outside the main city.
Although the festival has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the bulk of the community, irrespective of their faith.
Modern Changes
In the last ten years, the quantity of participants attending the celebration has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the rise of online networks, where numerous young people document their attire, dancing and vocal performances during the gathering.
Historical Significance
In the previous years, the festival was used as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an emphasis on celebration, togetherness and cultural pride.
