🔗 Share this article Photos and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Gratitude Festival A multitude of colorfully attired Ethiopians converged in central the city center for the traditional gratitude celebration this weekend. This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo, the biggest community, and is held at the completion of the land's primary monsoon period. Each year, celebrants assemble around revered water bodies to show appreciation to their higher powers for the lush vegetation that the rainy season have provided. "I've been celebrating Irreecha for the previous nine years," stated twenty-five-year-old one attendee. "To me, this event represents my heritage, it reflects the honor and significance of my ethnic group." Men, ladies, the older generation and the young all participate, adorned in striking clothes and accessories. They chant, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit newly gathered foliage and blossoms in liquid - representing existence, rebirth and optimism. Worldwide Attendance This festival brings in people from throughout the country, visitors come from internationally. "I attended last year - it was so good, so beautiful, I brought along my kids with me currently," mentioned an international guest, hailing from abroad. "It's incredible. Everyone wants to say hello, all attendees wants to give you a kiss and says welcome." Celebration Program The first day of the festival was held on recently in the main city. On Sunday, festival-goers journeyed to a nearby town, a small town near the main city. While this celebration has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the bulk of the Oromo people, irrespective of their faith. Contemporary Changes In the recent years, the quantity of individuals joining the celebration has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the expansion of digital platforms, where many younger generation capture their outfits, dance moves and musical expressions during the festival. Historical Background In the past, this event was used as a venue for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion. However, the latest gathering unfolded peacefully, with an emphasis on joy, togetherness and cultural pride.