Snapshots as well as Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Gratitude Festival
A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians converged in central Addis Ababa for the traditional gratitude celebration during recent days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo people, the biggest community, and takes place at the conclusion of the land's primary rainy season.
Every year, celebrants assemble around sacred rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the rains have brought.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the past nine years," mentioned young adult a participant.
"In my view, this event represents my cultural background, it demonstrates the pride and importance of my ethnic group."
Males, females, the senior citizens and the younger generation all join in, ornamented in attention-grabbing garments and ornaments.
They sing, move rhythmically, exchange narratives and place recently harvested foliage and flowers in the water - representing vitality, rebirth and optimism.
International Participation
This festival brings in people from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from internationally.
"I visited the previous year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought my offspring with me currently," mentioned one visitor, originating from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everybody wants to say hello, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Schedule
The first day of the celebration took place on recently in Addis Ababa. On Sunday, festival-goers made their way to Bishoftu, a community close to the capital.
While this celebration has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of Oromos, without consideration for their religion.
Modern Trends
In the last ten years, the number of individuals participating in the event has grown significantly. This is partly due to the expansion of online networks, where numerous young people document their clothing, dance moves and musical expressions during the gathering.
Past Significance
In the past, this event was served as a stage for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
However, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an emphasis on celebration, unity and ethnic identity.
