🔗 Share this article Selfies as well as Melodies as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Thanksgiving Countless individuals of brightly clothed participants assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the yearly gratitude celebration this weekend. Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest ethnic group, and takes place at the conclusion of the nation's primary wet season. Each year, participants assemble around sacred rivers and lakes to express gratitude to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided. "I've been celebrating this celebration for the past nine years," mentioned young adult Moata Abdulmajid. "To me, this event symbolizes my heritage, it demonstrates the honor and significance of my community." Gentlemen, ladies, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery. They chant, perform traditional dances, tell tales and place recently harvested foliage and floral arrangements in water - symbolizing life, rebirth and optimism. Worldwide Presence This festival not only draws participants from across Ethiopia, guests fly in from internationally. "I attended last year - the experience was amazing, so spectacular, I brought my kids with me this year," said an international guest, originating from Northern Ireland. "It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, each person shows warmth and says welcome." Event Program The first day of the event occurred on recently in the capital. On Sunday, festival-goers travelled to a provincial location, a settlement near the urban center. Even though Irreecha has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the larger part of the Oromo people, regardless of their faith. Recent Trends In the recent years, the figure of participants attending the festival has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the expansion of online networks, where various younger generation record their clothing, dance moves and singing during the celebration. Previous Context In the previous years, the festival was served as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation. Nevertheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on celebration, togetherness and ethnic identity.