Selfies and Singing as Ethiopians Celebrate Gratitude Festival
Countless individuals of colorfully attired Ethiopians gathered in downtown the city center for the traditional gratitude celebration this weekend.
Irreecha is honored by the Oromo, the predominant community, and occurs at the end of the country's major rainy season.
Annually, festival-goers assemble around holy natural water sources to show appreciation to their higher powers for the greenery that the rains have provided.
"I've attended this celebration for the past nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"For me, the celebration represents my cultural background, it demonstrates the dignity and greatness of my people."
Gentlemen, females, the senior citizens and the younger generation all participate, adorned in attention-grabbing attire and accessories.
They sing, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and arrange newly gathered foliage and blossoms in liquid - representing existence, regeneration and optimism.
International Participation
The celebration not only draws people from throughout the country, guests come from globally.
"I came last year - it was so good, so spectacular, I invited my offspring with me this year," mentioned Claire, originating from abroad.
"It's incredible. Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Event Timeline
The initial day of the celebration took place on the weekend in the main city. On the following day, festival-goers journeyed to a provincial location, a small town just outside the urban center.
Even though the festival has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the larger part of Oromos, without consideration for their religion.
Modern Changes
In the recent years, the number of individuals participating in the celebration has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where many young people record their clothing, traditional dances and singing during the festival.
Previous Context
In the past, this event was served as a stage for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about social exclusion.
Nevertheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an priority on joy, togetherness and cultural pride.
