Snapshots and Singing as Ethiopians Mark Gratitude Festival
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in central Addis Ababa for the annual Irreecha event over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and takes place at the end of the country's major rainy season.
Every year, participants come together around sacred rivers and lakes to give thanks to their creators for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have delivered.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the past nine years," commented young adult a participant.
"For me, the celebration represents my cultural background, it showcases the honor and greatness of my people."
Men, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all take part, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery.
They chant, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and place recently harvested green plants and flowers in the water - representing life, rebirth and optimism.
International Participation
This festival brings in individuals from throughout the country, attendees travel from internationally.
"I visited the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought along my offspring with me currently," mentioned Claire, from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everyone greets you, each person offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Schedule
The initial day of the event took place on recently in the capital. On the following day, festival-goers made their way to a provincial location, a community just outside the capital.
While this celebration has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the bulk of the Oromo people, without consideration for their religion.
Contemporary Trends
In the recent years, the number of individuals participating in the festival has grown significantly. This is partially because of the expansion of online networks, where various younger generation record their clothing, dance moves and vocal performances during the celebration.
Previous Context
In the past, the festival was functioned as a stage for public dissent - the ethnic group have consistently raised issues about social exclusion.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an focus on joy, solidarity and ethnic identity.
