Selfies as well as Melodies as Ethiopians Mark Annual Thanksgiving
Tens of thousands of colorfully attired attendees gathered in the heart of the city center for the yearly gratitude celebration during recent days.
This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo community, the biggest population group, and occurs at the conclusion of the land's main rainy season.
Every year, festival-goers come together around sacred water bodies to express gratitude to their creators for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have delivered.
"I've attended Irreecha for the last nine years," mentioned 25-year-old one attendee.
"In my view, the celebration represents my cultural background, it reflects the pride and greatness of my community."
Men, ladies, the elderly and the younger generation all take part, ornamented in striking garments and accessories.
They chant, perform traditional dances, share stories and arrange recently harvested green plants and blossoms in the water - denoting existence, renewal and optimism.
Worldwide Presence
This festival does not only attract participants from throughout the country, visitors travel from internationally.
"I came last year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I brought along my kids with me this year," said an international guest, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everyone wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and says welcome."
Festival Program
The opening day of the festival took place on Saturday in the main city. On the following day, celebrants travelled to Bishoftu, a small town near the capital.
Even though the festival has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now celebrated by the majority of the community, irrespective of their belief system.
Modern Changes
In the recent years, the quantity of people attending the event has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the rise of social media, where various young people record their outfits, dance moves and vocal performances during the gathering.
Past Background
In the past, Irreecha was served as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.
However, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on happiness, togetherness and cultural pride.
