🔗 Share this article Selfies as well as Melodies as Ethiopians Mark Gratitude Festival Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed Ethiopians converged in downtown Addis Ababa for the traditional thanksgiving festival during recent days. Irreecha is observed by the Oromo community, the predominant community, and occurs at the completion of the land's primary wet season. Each year, festival-goers come together around sacred water bodies to give thanks to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rainy season have provided. "I've attended Irreecha for the last nine years," mentioned young adult one attendee. "For me, Irreecha represents my identity, it showcases the pride and significance of my community." Gentlemen, women, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, ornamented in attention-grabbing clothes and accessories. They vocalize, dance, exchange narratives and place newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in the water - symbolizing vitality, renewal and optimism. Worldwide Attendance The celebration brings in individuals from throughout the country, visitors fly in from around the world. "I attended the previous year - it was so good, so beautiful, I brought my offspring with me this year," mentioned an international guest, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland. "It's wonderful. All people welcomes you, everyone shows warmth and offers greetings." Celebration Schedule The first day of the event was held on Saturday in the main city. On the next day, participants journeyed to Bishoftu, a community close to the capital. Even though the festival has its foundations in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of the community, without consideration for their belief system. Contemporary Trends In the last ten years, the figure of people participating in the event has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the rise of social media, where many younger generation record their attire, traditional dances and vocal performances during the festival. Previous Context In the past, this event was served as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have long complained about social exclusion. Nevertheless, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an emphasis on celebration, togetherness and cultural pride.