Selfies along with Chanting as People of Ethiopia Observe Gratitude Festival
A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians converged in downtown the city center for the yearly Irreecha event over the past days.
The festival is celebrated by the Oromo, the predominant population group, and is held at the completion of the nation's major monsoon period.
Annually, festival-goers come together around holy water bodies to show appreciation to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rains have provided.
"I've been celebrating this celebration for the previous nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"For me, the celebration represents my cultural background, it showcases the dignity and greatness of my people."
Males, ladies, the elderly and the younger generation all join in, ornamented in eye-catching garments and jewellery.
They sing, dance, tell tales and deposit recently harvested grass and floral arrangements in the water - symbolizing vitality, regeneration and hope.
Worldwide Attendance
Irreecha does not only attract people from throughout the country, attendees fly in from around the world.
"I came the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I invited my offspring with me currently," said an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. Everyone welcomes you, each person wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Celebration Timeline
The first day of the festival was held on Saturday in the capital. On the next day, festival-goers journeyed to a nearby town, a community just outside the urban center.
Although Irreecha has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the bulk of the Oromo people, without consideration for their belief system.
Contemporary Trends
In the recent years, the quantity of individuals joining the event has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the rise of digital platforms, where numerous younger generation document their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the gathering.
Previous Significance
In the previous years, this event was functioned as a stage for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
However, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, togetherness and cultural pride.
