🔗 Share this article Photos as well as Singing as Ethiopians Celebrate Gratitude Festival Countless individuals of colorfully attired attendees converged in the heart of Addis Ababa for the traditional Irreecha event during recent days. Irreecha is honored by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and occurs at the end of the country's main rainy season. Annually, celebrants come together around sacred rivers and lakes to give thanks to their creators for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have provided. "I've been celebrating Irreecha for the previous nine years," mentioned young adult a participant. "To me, the celebration embodies my heritage, it showcases the pride and greatness of my people." Men, women, the senior citizens and the young all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and ornaments. They chant, perform traditional dances, tell tales and arrange freshly cut grass and floral arrangements in water - denoting life, renewal and hope. International Presence Irreecha not only draws individuals from throughout the country, guests come from internationally. "I came a year ago - it was so good, so spectacular, I invited my kids with me this year," mentioned Claire, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland. "It is amazing. Everyone welcomes you, each person offers affection and says welcome." Festival Schedule The opening day of the festival took place on recently in the capital. On the following day, celebrants journeyed to Bishoftu, a settlement just outside the capital. While this celebration has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the larger part of Oromos, regardless of their religion. Contemporary Changes In the last ten years, the quantity of individuals joining the event has grown significantly. This is partially because of the rise of social media, where numerous young people record their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the celebration. Previous Significance In the previous years, this event was functioned as a venue for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have long complained about political and economic marginalisation. Nevertheless, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an focus on happiness, togetherness and cultural pride.