Selfies along with Melodies as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival
A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians gathered in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the traditional Irreecha event this weekend.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo, the biggest ethnic group, and occurs at the completion of the nation's main wet season.
Every year, participants come together around holy natural water sources to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have brought.
"I've attended this celebration for the past nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, the celebration symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the honor and importance of my people."
Gentlemen, females, the senior citizens and the young all take part, ornamented in eye-catching attire and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, share stories and place recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing life, regeneration and optimism.
Global Presence
The celebration does not only attract individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors travel from globally.
"I came a year ago - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my children with me now," said Claire, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. All people greets you, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Schedule
The first day of the event was held on recently in the capital. On the next day, festival-goers journeyed to a provincial location, a small town just outside the main city.
While Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the majority of Oromos, without consideration for their belief system.
Contemporary Changes
In the recent years, the number of participants participating in the celebration has increased dramatically. This is partially because of the expansion of digital platforms, where many young people record their attire, dance moves and vocal performances during the celebration.
Previous Significance
In the previous years, the festival was served as a venue for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
However, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an priority on celebration, solidarity and cultural pride.
