In brief
The Irreecha festival, celebrated by the Oromo people, saw a massive turnout in Addis Ababa, showcasing traditional clothing, singing, and cultural pride. Attendees from around the world joined to honor their roots and express gratitude for the life brought by the rainy season. This year's festivities stood out for their peaceful, joyful atmosphere amidst historical tensions.
Tens of thousands of vibrantly dressed Ethiopians descended on downtown Addis Ababa for an annual thanksgiving festival this weekend.The Irreecha festival is celebrated by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and takes place at the end of the country's main rainy season.Each year, festival-goers gather around sacred rivers and lakes to thank their creators for the greenery that the rains have brought. I've been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years, says Moata Abdulmajid, a 25-year-old festival-goer. To me, Irreecha represents my identity, it reflects the pride and greatness of my people.Men, women, the elderly, and the young all join in, adorned in eye-catching clothing and jewelry. They sing, dance, share stories, and place freshly cut grass and flowers in water - a symbol of life, renewal, and hope.This year, attendees not only came from across Ethiopia but also from around the world, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy. Claire, a visitor from Belfast, remarked, It is amazing. Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and say welcome.While historically, the festival has seen moments of tension, this year's celebration unfolded peacefully with an emphasis on joy, unity, and cultural pride.
