🔗 Share this article Photos as well as Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Annual Thanksgiving Tens of thousands of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in central Addis Ababa for the yearly Irreecha event this weekend. Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest population group, and is held at the end of the nation's major monsoon period. Each year, participants assemble around revered water bodies to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have provided. "I've attended the festival for the past nine years," mentioned 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid. "To me, this event represents my cultural background, it showcases the honor and greatness of my ethnic group." Gentlemen, females, the elderly and the younger generation all take part, decorated in striking garments and jewellery. They chant, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and deposit recently harvested foliage and floral arrangements in liquid - symbolizing life, regeneration and hope. Worldwide Participation Irreecha not only draws participants from throughout the country, guests travel from internationally. "I attended last year - it was so good, so beautiful, I invited my kids with me this year," expressed Claire, from abroad. "It is amazing. Everyone welcomes you, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality." Celebration Schedule The opening day of the celebration occurred on Saturday in the main city. On Sunday, festival-goers journeyed to a nearby town, a small town just outside the main city. Although the festival has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the majority of the community, without consideration for their belief system. Contemporary Changes In the last ten years, the figure of participants joining the festival has grown significantly. This is partly due to the expansion of online networks, where many young people record their attire, dance moves and singing during the celebration. Previous Background In the past, this event was served as a venue for public dissent - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion. Nonetheless, the recent event took place calmly, with an priority on celebration, solidarity and heritage appreciation.