Tens of thousands of Ethiopians, dressed in vibrant attire, gathered in downtown Addis Ababa this weekend to celebrate the annual Irreecha thanksgiving festival.
Irreecha, celebrated by Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, the Oromo, marks the end of the country’s main rainy season. Festival-goers come together around sacred rivers and lakes to express gratitude for the greenery the rains have brought.
"I've been celebrating Irreecha for the past nine years," said 25-year-old Moata Abdulmajid (pictured below). "To me, Irreecha represents my identity, reflecting the pride and greatness of my people." People of all ages, from children to the elderly, participate in the festivities, wearing striking clothes and jewelry.
The celebrations include singing, dancing, storytelling, and the symbolic act of placing freshly cut grass and flowers in the water—a gesture of life, renewal, and hope. Irreecha draws not only locals from across Ethiopia but also attendees from around the world.
"I came last year, and it was so beautiful, I brought my children with me this year," said Claire (pictured second from right), visiting from Belfast, Northern Ireland. "It’s amazing. Everyone wants to say hello, give you a kiss, and welcome you."
The first day of the festival took place on Saturday in Addis Ababa, with festival-goers traveling to Bishoftu, a town just outside the capital, on Sunday.
Though Irreecha has its origins in indigenous faith traditions, it is now observed by the majority of the Oromo people, regardless of their religious background. Over the past decade, the festival has grown significantly in size, partly fueled by the rise of social media, where many young people share images and videos of their outfits, dancing, and singing.
Historically, Irreecha was also a platform for anti-government protests, as the Oromo people have long voiced concerns about political and economic marginalization. This year, however, the celebration unfolded peacefully, focusing on joy, unity, and cultural pride.