Selfies and Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired attendees assembled in central Ethiopia's capital for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days.
This thanksgiving celebration is observed by the Oromo, the biggest community, and is held at the conclusion of the land's major wet season.
Each year, celebrants assemble around sacred water bodies to express gratitude to their divine beings for the greenery that the rainy season have provided.
"I have participated in the festival for the previous nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.
"In my view, the celebration embodies my heritage, it showcases the dignity and greatness of my people."
Men, females, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, decorated in attention-grabbing garments and accessories.
They chant, dance, exchange narratives and place newly gathered green plants and flowers in liquid - representing life, rebirth and optimism.
Worldwide Attendance
This festival does not only attract individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, guests come from around the world.
"I visited the previous year - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my kids with me now," said one visitor, from abroad.
"It's incredible. Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality."
Celebration Program
The initial day of the festival took place on Saturday in Addis Ababa. On the next day, celebrants travelled to Bishoftu, a settlement close to the urban center.
Although Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the larger part of the Oromo people, without consideration for their religion.
Recent Changes
In the past decade, the figure of participants participating in the celebration has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the expansion of online networks, where many young people capture their clothing, dance moves and musical expressions during the festival.
Previous Significance
In the previous years, this event was functioned as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.
However, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on celebration, togetherness and cultural pride.
