Selfies and Melodies as Ethiopians Celebrate Thanksgiving
A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in downtown Addis Ababa for the yearly Irreecha event over the past days.
Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo, the predominant community, and occurs at the completion of the country's main rainy season.
Annually, participants assemble around revered rivers and lakes to give thanks to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have brought.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the past nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"In my view, this event embodies my heritage, it demonstrates the pride and significance of my community."
Men, women, the older generation and the younger generation all join in, decorated in eye-catching garments and jewellery.
They sing, move rhythmically, tell tales and deposit freshly cut green plants and flowers in the water - representing existence, renewal and hope.
Worldwide Presence
This festival not only draws participants from across Ethiopia, attendees travel from internationally.
"I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought along my kids with me currently," said Claire, originating from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people welcomes you, all attendees offers affection and says welcome."
Celebration Schedule
The first day of the festival was held on recently in Addis Ababa. On the following day, festival-goers made their way to Bishoftu, a community near the main city.
While Irreecha has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the bulk of Oromos, irrespective of their religion.
Modern Changes
In the past decade, the number of participants attending the event has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the rise of social media, where various young people capture their attire, dancing and musical expressions during the celebration.
Past Background
In the previous years, this event was used as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about political and economic marginalisation.
However, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an priority on joy, solidarity and heritage appreciation.
