Snapshots and Melodies as Ethiopian Citizens Observe Thanksgiving

Countless individuals of brightly clothed attendees gathered in central Addis Ababa for the annual gratitude celebration this weekend.

The festival is celebrated by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest population group, and occurs at the end of the land's primary monsoon period.

Annually, participants assemble around sacred natural water sources to show appreciation to their creators for the greenery that the precipitation have delivered.

"I've attended this celebration for the last nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old one attendee.

"In my view, the celebration represents my identity, it demonstrates the pride and significance of my ethnic group."

Gentlemen, ladies, the older generation and the younger generation all participate, adorned in striking attire and jewellery.

They sing, perform traditional dances, tell tales and deposit newly gathered green plants and flowers in liquid - denoting vitality, renewal and hope.

Worldwide Presence

This festival not only draws people from all regions of Ethiopia, visitors fly in from globally.

"I attended the previous year - the experience was amazing, so spectacular, I brought along my offspring with me this year," said one visitor, originating from Northern Ireland.

"It's wonderful. Everybody greets you, everyone offers affection and says welcome."

Event Timeline

The opening day of the event occurred on Saturday in the capital. On the next day, celebrants made their way to Bishoftu, a small town close to the main city.

Although the festival has its origins in indigenous faith systems, it is now practiced by the bulk of the Oromo people, without consideration for their religion.

Modern Trends

In the recent years, the figure of individuals participating in the event has expanded substantially. This is partly due to the expansion of digital platforms, where numerous youth document their outfits, traditional dances and musical expressions during the celebration.