🔗 Share this article Selfies and Singing as People of Ethiopia Celebrate Thanksgiving Tens of thousands of colorfully attired participants gathered in the heart of Addis Ababa for the traditional thanksgiving festival this weekend. The festival is celebrated by the Oromo community, the predominant population group, and takes place at the completion of the land's primary wet season. Annually, festival-goers come together around revered water bodies to give thanks to their creators for the greenery that the rainy season have delivered. "I have participated in this celebration for the past nine years," commented 25-year-old one attendee. "To me, this event embodies my heritage, it demonstrates the honor and greatness of my community." Gentlemen, ladies, the senior citizens and the young all participate, adorned in striking attire and accessories. They sing, dance, share stories and place freshly cut grass and blossoms in water - symbolizing life, regeneration and aspiration. Global Participation Irreecha does not only attract individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees travel from internationally. "I attended the previous year - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I invited my children with me now," said one visitor, from abroad. "It is amazing. All people welcomes you, everyone offers affection and expresses hospitality." Festival Program The opening day of the festival was held on Saturday in the main city. On Sunday, celebrants journeyed to a provincial location, a settlement just outside the urban center. Although the festival has its roots in native spiritual practices, it is now practiced by the bulk of the community, without consideration for their faith. Modern Changes In the last ten years, the number of people joining the event has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the expansion of social media, where various younger generation document their outfits, dance moves and musical expressions during the festival. Past Background In the previous years, the festival was served as a stage for public dissent - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about systemic disadvantages. Nevertheless, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an priority on happiness, solidarity and heritage appreciation.