Photos as well as Singing as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of vibrantly dressed Ethiopians converged in downtown the city center for the annual Irreecha event this weekend.
The festival is honored by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and occurs at the end of the land's major monsoon period.
Each year, participants assemble around revered water bodies to give thanks to their higher powers for the lush vegetation that the rains have brought.
"I have participated in the festival for the past nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"For me, the celebration embodies my identity, it showcases the pride and significance of my community."
Gentlemen, females, the older generation and the youth all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and accessories.
They sing, move rhythmically, tell tales and deposit newly gathered green plants and blossoms in water - symbolizing vitality, rebirth and optimism.
Global Attendance
This festival brings in participants from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors come from internationally.
"I visited last year - it was so good, so spectacular, I invited my offspring with me this year," said one visitor, hailing from abroad.
"It is amazing. Everyone wants to say hello, each person wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Event Program
The initial day of the celebration occurred on the weekend in the main city. On the next day, participants made their way to a provincial location, a settlement close to the main city.
Although the festival has its foundations in native spiritual practices, it is now celebrated by the majority of Oromos, irrespective of their religion.
Modern Changes
In the last ten years, the quantity of people attending the event has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the growth of online networks, where various young people document their clothing, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Past Significance
In the previous years, Irreecha was functioned as a venue for public dissent - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an focus on joy, unity and ethnic identity.
