Countless individuals of brightly clothed participants gathered in the heart of Addis Ababa for the traditional thanksgiving festival during recent days.
This thanksgiving celebration is celebrated by the Oromo, the predominant community, and is held at the completion of the land's major monsoon period.
Every year, celebrants come together around sacred water bodies to express gratitude to their higher powers for the greenery that the precipitation have delivered.
"I have participated in Irreecha for the last nine years," stated young adult a participant.
"To me, Irreecha embodies my cultural background, it showcases the dignity and significance of my community."
Men, females, the senior citizens and the youth all take part, adorned in eye-catching attire and jewellery.
They sing, perform traditional dances, share stories and deposit recently harvested grass and flowers in water - symbolizing life, renewal and aspiration.
The celebration brings in people from all regions of Ethiopia, guests fly in from globally.
"I visited the previous year - it was so good, so spectacular, I invited my children with me this year," expressed Claire, originating from Northern Ireland.
"It is amazing. All people wants to say hello, each person offers affection and says welcome."
The opening day of the celebration was held on the weekend in the main city. On the next day, celebrants made their way to a provincial location, a settlement just outside the urban center.
Although Irreecha has its origins in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the larger part of the Oromo people, without consideration for their belief system.
In the last ten years, the figure of people participating in the festival has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the growth of social media, where numerous younger generation record their clothing, dancing and singing during the gathering.
In the earlier times, this event was served as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo community have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, the recent event proceeded harmoniously, with an priority on celebration, togetherness and heritage appreciation.
A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing practical insights and inspiring creativity in everyday life.
New
