Snapshots as well as Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Gratitude Festival
Countless individuals of colorfully attired participants assembled in downtown the city center for the yearly Irreecha event over the past days.
Irreecha is observed by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest population group, and occurs at the conclusion of the country's main rainy season.
Every year, celebrants come together around sacred natural water sources to show appreciation to their higher powers for the lush vegetation that the rains have delivered.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the previous nine years," mentioned 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, this event symbolizes my heritage, it reflects the pride and importance of my ethnic group."
Males, females, the senior citizens and the youth all participate, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, share stories and place recently harvested foliage and blossoms in the water - symbolizing vitality, rebirth and optimism.
Worldwide Participation
This festival not only draws participants from throughout the country, visitors travel from globally.
"I came a year ago - the experience was amazing, so spectacular, I brought my kids with me now," expressed Claire, from Northern Ireland.
"It's incredible. All people welcomes you, everyone offers affection and expresses hospitality."
Festival Program
The initial day of the event took place on the weekend in the main city. On the next day, festival-goers journeyed to a provincial location, a community close to the main city.
Even though Irreecha has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the majority of the Oromo people, regardless of their belief system.
Modern Developments
In the last ten years, the number of participants participating in the event has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the expansion of digital platforms, where various youth document their outfits, dancing and vocal performances during the gathering.
Historical Background
In the earlier times, the festival was served as a stage for anti-government protests - the ethnic group have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.
Nonetheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on happiness, unity and ethnic identity.
