🔗 Share this article Photos as well as Chanting as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed participants gathered in the heart of the city center for the yearly Irreecha event during recent days. The festival is honored by the Oromo people, the predominant population group, and is held at the conclusion of the nation's primary wet season. Annually, festival-goers assemble around holy water bodies to show appreciation to their higher powers for the greenery that the rainy season have provided. "I've attended Irreecha for the previous nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old one attendee. "In my view, the celebration symbolizes my heritage, it demonstrates the pride and greatness of my ethnic group." Men, females, the elderly and the younger generation all participate, adorned in attention-grabbing attire and accessories. They sing, move rhythmically, share stories and place newly gathered foliage and floral arrangements in water - denoting vitality, regeneration and aspiration. International Presence The celebration does not only attract individuals from throughout the country, guests travel from globally. "I came a year ago - it was so good, so spectacular, I brought my offspring with me now," mentioned an international guest, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland. "It's wonderful. All people welcomes you, each person offers affection and expresses hospitality." Event Timeline The initial day of the celebration occurred on Saturday in the capital. On the next day, festival-goers journeyed to a nearby town, a settlement near the main city. Although Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of Oromos, irrespective of their faith. Contemporary Trends In the past decade, the quantity of people joining the festival has grown significantly. This is partially because of the growth of online networks, where various youth capture their clothing, dancing and musical expressions during the festival. Historical Context In the earlier times, this event was functioned as a stage for public dissent - the ethnic group have long complained about political and economic marginalisation. Nevertheless, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an emphasis on happiness, togetherness and ethnic identity.