🔗 Share this article

A multitude of vibrantly dressed attendees gathered in central Addis Ababa for the annual Irreecha event during recent days.

The festival is honored by the Oromo people, the biggest population group, and occurs at the end of the country's main wet season.

Annually, celebrants assemble around sacred water bodies to show appreciation to their creators for the greenery that the rainy season have delivered.

"I've attended this celebration for the past nine years," mentioned twenty-five-year-old a participant.

"For me, this event symbolizes my cultural background, it reflects the dignity and greatness of my community."

Gentlemen, ladies, the older generation and the young all join in, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and ornaments.

They sing, dance, tell tales and arrange newly gathered grass and floral arrangements in the water - symbolizing life, rebirth and aspiration.

Worldwide Presence

This festival not only draws participants from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees travel from around the world.

"I attended last year - it was so good, so magnificent, I brought along my children with me now," expressed an international guest, from Belfast in Northern Ireland.

"It's wonderful. Everyone wants to say hello, all attendees shows warmth and expresses hospitality."

Event Timeline

The initial day of the festival occurred on Saturday in the capital. On the following day, participants made their way to a nearby town, a settlement near the capital.

Even though this celebration has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now observed by the majority of Oromos, regardless of their belief system.

Contemporary Changes

In the past decade, the quantity of people joining the event has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the rise of online networks, where numerous younger generation capture their clothing, dance moves and vocal performances during the celebration.

Previous Background

In the past, the festival was functioned as a platform for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.

Nevertheless, the latest gathering proceeded harmoniously, with an focus on joy, unity and heritage appreciation.