🔗 Share this article Snapshots along with Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Gratitude Festival Countless individuals of brightly clothed attendees assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the traditional Irreecha event over the past days. This thanksgiving celebration is observed by the Oromo people, the biggest population group, and takes place at the conclusion of the land's main monsoon period. Annually, celebrants come together around sacred natural water sources to show appreciation to their higher powers for the greenery that the rains have delivered. "I've attended this celebration for the last nine years," stated 25-year-old a participant. "To me, Irreecha embodies my cultural background, it reflects the dignity and importance of my ethnic group." Men, females, the elderly and the youth all take part, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and jewellery. They vocalize, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and deposit recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in water - representing vitality, regeneration and hope. Global Attendance This festival does not only attract participants from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from internationally. "I attended a year ago - it was so good, so spectacular, I brought along my offspring with me this year," said Claire, hailing from abroad. "It's incredible. All people greets you, everyone offers affection and expresses hospitality." Celebration Schedule The opening day of the festival took place on recently in the capital. On the next day, celebrants travelled to Bishoftu, a community near the capital. Although Irreecha has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the majority of Oromos, irrespective of their religion. Recent Developments In the last ten years, the number of individuals participating in the celebration has grown significantly. This is partly due to the expansion of digital platforms, where various youth document their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the gathering. Past Background In the past, this event was used as a venue for public dissent - the Oromo community have long complained about systemic disadvantages. Nevertheless, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an focus on happiness, unity and heritage appreciation.