🔗 Share this article Selfies and Singing as Ethiopians Celebrate Annual Thanksgiving Tens of thousands of colorfully attired Ethiopians converged in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the traditional thanksgiving festival this weekend. The festival is celebrated by the Oromo community, the biggest population group, and occurs at the completion of the land's primary monsoon period. Annually, celebrants assemble around holy natural water sources to give thanks to their creators for the greenery that the rains have brought. "I've attended Irreecha for the past nine years," commented 25-year-old one attendee. "To me, this event represents my heritage, it showcases the pride and greatness of my people." Men, ladies, the elderly and the younger generation all join in, ornamented in eye-catching attire and ornaments. They sing, move rhythmically, tell tales and place freshly cut foliage and floral arrangements in the water - denoting vitality, rebirth and optimism. International Participation This festival brings in participants from across Ethiopia, attendees travel from around the world. "I came last year - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought my children with me now," said an international guest, originating from abroad. "It's wonderful. Everyone welcomes you, each person shows warmth and says welcome." Celebration Program The first day of the festival took place on the weekend in Addis Ababa. On the following day, participants travelled to Bishoftu, a settlement close to the main city. While this celebration has its foundations in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the bulk of the community, irrespective of their faith. Contemporary Developments In the last ten years, the figure of participants participating in the event has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the growth of online networks, where various young people record their clothing, traditional dances and singing during the festival. Past Significance In the previous years, the festival was served as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages. However, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an emphasis on happiness, togetherness and ethnic identity.