Selfies along with Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving

Countless individuals of brightly clothed Ethiopians converged in the heart of the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival during recent days.

The festival is celebrated by the Oromo, the predominant ethnic group, and takes place at the end of the country's main rainy season.

Each year, celebrants assemble around revered water bodies to express gratitude to their higher powers for the greenery that the rainy season have delivered.

"I've attended the festival for the past nine years," stated young adult Moata Abdulmajid.

"To me, the celebration embodies my identity, it showcases the honor and significance of my community."

Men, females, the elderly and the youth all participate, ornamented in eye-catching attire and jewellery.

They vocalize, perform traditional dances, tell tales and place newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in the water - symbolizing vitality, renewal and hope.

Worldwide Presence

Irreecha does not only attract individuals from across Ethiopia, visitors travel from around the world.

"I attended a year ago - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my children with me this year," said Claire, from Northern Ireland.

"It is amazing. Everyone welcomes you, each person shows warmth and expresses hospitality."

Celebration Timeline

The initial day of the celebration took place on recently in the main city. On Sunday, festival-goers made their way to a provincial location, a small town close to the capital.

Even though Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now celebrated by the bulk of Oromos, without consideration for their religion.

Modern Trends

In the recent years, the figure of people attending the celebration has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the growth of online networks, where numerous youth document their clothing, dancing and singing during the celebration.

Past Context

In the earlier times, this event was served as a platform for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about social exclusion.

Nevertheless, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an focus on joy, unity and ethnic identity.