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Countless individuals of colorfully attired participants assembled in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the traditional gratitude celebration this weekend.

Irreecha is honored by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest community, and occurs at the conclusion of the land's primary wet season.

Every year, participants assemble around holy water bodies to give thanks to their creators for the lush vegetation that the rains have delivered.

"I have participated in the festival for the past nine years," mentioned 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.

"For me, this event symbolizes my heritage, it demonstrates the honor and importance of my people."

Men, females, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, adorned in eye-catching attire and ornaments.

They vocalize, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and place recently harvested foliage and floral arrangements in the water - representing life, regeneration and optimism.

Worldwide Attendance

This festival does not only attract people from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from internationally.

"I came last year - it was so good, so beautiful, I brought along my offspring with me currently," mentioned Claire, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.

"It's wonderful. Everyone welcomes you, everyone shows warmth and expresses hospitality."

Celebration Timeline

The opening day of the event took place on the weekend in Addis Ababa. On the following day, celebrants travelled to a provincial location, a settlement near the urban center.

While this celebration has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now celebrated by the larger part of Oromos, without consideration for their faith.

Modern Changes

In the last ten years, the quantity of individuals joining the event has grown significantly. This is partly due to the rise of digital platforms, where many younger generation document their outfits, dancing and vocal performances during the celebration.

Past Background

In the previous years, this event was served as a platform for anti-government protests - the Oromo people have historically expressed concerns about social exclusion.

Nevertheless, this year's celebration proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, solidarity and ethnic identity.