Selfies and Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Annual Thanksgiving
A multitude of vibrantly dressed participants converged in central Addis Ababa for the yearly gratitude celebration this weekend.
The festival is honored by the Oromo, the biggest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the nation's main wet season.
Every year, celebrants gather around revered rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their higher powers for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have brought.
"I have participated in this celebration for the last nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.
"To me, the celebration embodies my identity, it showcases the pride and greatness of my community."
Males, females, the senior citizens and the younger generation all join in, ornamented in eye-catching attire and accessories.
They vocalize, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit newly gathered foliage and blossoms in water - denoting existence, rebirth and optimism.
Worldwide Participation
The celebration does not only attract participants from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors travel from around the world.
"I visited the previous year - it was wonderful, so magnificent, I invited my children with me now," said an international guest, from abroad.
"It is amazing. All people welcomes you, each person shows warmth and offers greetings."
Festival Timeline
The opening day of the event was held on the weekend in the capital. On the next day, celebrants journeyed to a provincial location, a small town just outside the urban center.
Even though this celebration has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now observed by the bulk of Oromos, regardless of their religion.
Recent Changes
In the last ten years, the quantity of individuals attending the festival has grown significantly. This is in part thanks to the growth of online networks, where many younger generation document their attire, dance moves and musical expressions during the gathering.
Historical Context
In the past, the festival was served as a venue for political demonstrations - the ethnic group have historically expressed concerns about systemic disadvantages.
Nonetheless, the latest gathering took place calmly, with an priority on joy, unity and ethnic identity.
