ð Share this article Selfies along with Singing as Ethiopians Celebrate Gratitude Festival Countless individuals of brightly clothed attendees gathered in central the city center for the annual Irreecha event during recent days. Irreecha is celebrated by the Oromo community, the predominant population group, and is held at the completion of the country's main wet season. Every year, celebrants gather around sacred water bodies to give thanks to their divine beings for the fertile landscape that the precipitation have delivered. "I've attended Irreecha for the previous nine years," mentioned young adult a participant. "To me, the celebration symbolizes my identity, it demonstrates the honor and importance of my people." Gentlemen, ladies, the senior citizens and the young all take part, adorned in attention-grabbing clothes and accessories. They vocalize, perform traditional dances, exchange narratives and deposit recently harvested grass and floral arrangements in the water - denoting existence, rebirth and aspiration. Global Participation Irreecha does not only attract individuals from all regions of Ethiopia, attendees come from globally. "I came a year ago - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I brought my offspring with me currently," said an international guest, from abroad. "It is amazing. Everyone greets you, each person wants to give you a kiss and expresses hospitality." Festival Program The first day of the event occurred on recently in the main city. On the following day, festival-goers journeyed to a nearby town, a small town near the main city. Even though Irreecha has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now observed by the majority of Oromos, regardless of their belief system. Contemporary Trends In the recent years, the number of individuals joining the celebration has increased dramatically. This is partly due to the rise of digital platforms, where various younger generation record their outfits, dancing and vocal performances during the gathering. Historical Context In the past, the festival was used as a venue for public dissent - the Oromo people have consistently raised issues about social exclusion. Nevertheless, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an focus on happiness, unity and heritage appreciation.