Photos and Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of brightly clothed attendees assembled in central Ethiopia's capital for the annual Irreecha event over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo, the predominant community, and is held at the completion of the land's main monsoon period.
Each year, festival-goers gather around revered rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have brought.
"I have participated in this celebration for the previous nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"For me, this event embodies my identity, it showcases the dignity and importance of my community."
Males, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all take part, decorated in striking clothes and ornaments.
They chant, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit recently harvested grass and floral arrangements in the water - denoting life, renewal and hope.
International Presence
This festival not only draws participants from across Ethiopia, attendees come from internationally.
"I came a year ago - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought my children with me this year," expressed one visitor, originating from abroad.
"It is amazing. All people welcomes you, each person wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Celebration Timeline
The initial day of the event was held on recently in Addis Ababa. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a small town just outside the main city.
Even though this celebration has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the larger part of the Oromo people, without consideration for their belief system.
Recent Developments
In the past decade, the figure of participants participating in the event has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the rise of online networks, where various young people capture their outfits, traditional dances and singing during the gathering.
Historical Context
In the previous years, this event was functioned as a venue for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have long complained about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on celebration, solidarity and cultural pride.
