Selfies and Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival

A multitude of colorfully attired attendees assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the traditional thanksgiving festival during recent days.

This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo community, the biggest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the nation's major rainy season.

Annually, festival-goers assemble around holy natural water sources to give thanks to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided.

"I've attended Irreecha for the previous nine years," stated young adult a participant.

"To me, the celebration embodies my identity, it reflects the dignity and importance of my people."

Men, ladies, the elderly and the younger generation all join in, ornamented in attention-grabbing garments and ornaments.

They chant, dance, tell tales and place newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in the water - representing life, regeneration and optimism.

International Participation

Irreecha not only draws people from across Ethiopia, attendees come from globally.

"I visited the previous year - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I invited my kids with me this year," expressed Claire, originating from abroad.

"It is amazing. Everyone welcomes you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."

Celebration Timeline

The first day of the event was held on the weekend in the main city. On the following day, celebrants travelled to a provincial location, a small town near the main city.

While this celebration has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the majority of the Oromo people, irrespective of their faith.

Modern Developments

In the recent years, the quantity of people participating in the celebration has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the rise of online networks, where various younger generation capture their attire, dance moves and vocal performances during the festival.

Historical Background

In the previous years, this event was used as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation.

Nevertheless, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, togetherness and ethnic identity.