🔗 Share this article Photos and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Thanksgiving A multitude of vibrantly dressed attendees assembled in downtown the city center for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days. Irreecha is observed by the Oromo people, the predominant ethnic group, and occurs at the completion of the land's major rainy season. Each year, participants assemble around holy water bodies to show appreciation to their higher powers for the greenery that the rains have brought. "I've been celebrating the festival for the past nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old one attendee. "For me, this event symbolizes my heritage, it showcases the honor and greatness of my community." Males, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all join in, adorned in attention-grabbing attire and jewellery. They sing, dance, tell tales and place newly gathered foliage and blossoms in water - denoting existence, renewal and optimism. Global Attendance This festival brings in individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, guests travel from globally. "I attended the previous year - it was wonderful, so beautiful, I brought along my offspring with me currently," said Claire, originating from Belfast in Northern Ireland. "It is amazing. All people greets you, everyone offers affection and expresses hospitality." Celebration Timeline The first day of the celebration occurred on the weekend in the main city. On Sunday, participants made their way to Bishoftu, a settlement close to the main city. Even though Irreecha has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the bulk of the community, irrespective of their belief system. Modern Developments In the past decade, the number of participants attending the celebration has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the rise of online networks, where numerous younger generation document their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the gathering. Previous Background In the previous years, Irreecha was served as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages. However, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully, with an priority on joy, unity and heritage appreciation.