🔗 Share this article Photos along with Melodies as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving A multitude of brightly clothed Ethiopians assembled in the heart of Addis Ababa for the annual gratitude celebration this weekend. This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo community, the predominant ethnic group, and occurs at the end of the nation's primary wet season. Each year, celebrants come together around sacred rivers and lakes to give thanks to their creators for the greenery that the rains have delivered. "I've attended the festival for the previous nine years," stated young adult Moata Abdulmajid. "In my view, this event represents my heritage, it showcases the pride and importance of my community." Males, ladies, the elderly and the young all take part, adorned in striking attire and ornaments. They chant, move rhythmically, share stories and deposit freshly cut foliage and floral arrangements in the water - representing vitality, rebirth and aspiration. International Presence The celebration brings in participants from throughout the country, visitors fly in from internationally. "I came a year ago - it was so good, so spectacular, I brought along my kids with me this year," said one visitor, originating from Northern Ireland. "It's incredible. All people greets you, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and says welcome." Event Schedule The opening day of the celebration occurred on recently in the main city. On the following day, participants made their way to a provincial location, a small town close to the capital. While Irreecha has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the bulk of the community, regardless of their faith. Contemporary Trends In the last ten years, the quantity of participants participating in the celebration has expanded substantially. This is partially because of the expansion of social media, where various youth capture their clothing, dancing and musical expressions during the celebration. Previous Context In the previous years, Irreecha was used as a stage for anti-government protests - the Oromo community have consistently raised issues about political and economic marginalisation. Nevertheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an emphasis on happiness, solidarity and cultural pride.