🔗 Share this article Selfies and Melodies as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in central Addis Ababa for the traditional thanksgiving festival during recent days. This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo, the biggest ethnic group, and takes place at the conclusion of the country's main rainy season. Each year, celebrants assemble around sacred rivers and lakes to give thanks to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have provided. "I've attended this celebration for the previous nine years," commented 25-year-old one attendee. "In my view, Irreecha symbolizes my identity, it reflects the pride and greatness of my people." Men, women, the older generation and the youth all join in, decorated in striking garments and jewellery. They chant, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and place freshly cut green plants and floral arrangements in water - denoting life, regeneration and hope. Worldwide Presence Irreecha brings in people from all regions of Ethiopia, guests come from internationally. "I came a year ago - it was wonderful, so beautiful, I invited my children with me this year," expressed Claire, originating from Northern Ireland. "It's wonderful. All people wants to say hello, everyone shows warmth and expresses hospitality." Festival Timeline The initial day of the event occurred on recently in the capital. On the next day, celebrants journeyed to a provincial location, a settlement just outside the urban center. Although this celebration has its roots in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the larger part of Oromos, irrespective of their belief system. Recent Trends In the past decade, the number of individuals participating in the event has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the growth of online networks, where various young people document their clothing, dancing and singing during the gathering. Previous Significance In the previous years, Irreecha was used as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages. However, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an focus on joy, solidarity and cultural pride.