Photos as well as Singing as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival
A multitude of colorfully attired attendees assembled in downtown Addis Ababa for the annual gratitude celebration this weekend.
The festival is honored by the Oromo people, the biggest population group, and is held at the completion of the country's primary rainy season.
Annually, festival-goers gather around holy rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their creators for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided.
"I have participated in the festival for the previous nine years," mentioned young adult Moata Abdulmajid.
"In my view, the celebration symbolizes my cultural background, it demonstrates the pride and greatness of my ethnic group."
Males, ladies, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, adorned in attention-grabbing attire and jewellery.
They sing, move rhythmically, tell tales and deposit freshly cut green plants and floral arrangements in water - symbolizing life, renewal and aspiration.
Worldwide Participation
This festival not only draws individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, guests come from internationally.
"I visited the previous year - it was wonderful, so spectacular, I brought along my children with me currently," said an international guest, from Northern Ireland.
"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, everyone wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Festival Schedule
The first day of the festival was held on recently in the main city. On the following day, celebrants made their way to Bishoftu, a settlement near the main city.
Although Irreecha has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the larger part of the community, irrespective of their religion.
Modern Developments
In the last ten years, the number of participants participating in the festival has grown significantly. This is partially because of the growth of social media, where various younger generation record their outfits, dance moves and musical expressions during the festival.
Past Significance
In the earlier times, this event was served as a stage for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have long complained about systemic disadvantages.
Nevertheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on joy, unity and heritage appreciation.
