Photos and Singing as People of Ethiopia Mark Gratitude Festival

Tens of thousands of colorfully attired Ethiopians gathered in the heart of Ethiopia's capital for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days.

This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo community, the biggest ethnic group, and occurs at the end of the nation's main rainy season.

Every year, celebrants assemble around sacred natural water sources to show appreciation to their divine beings for the greenery that the precipitation have provided.

"I've attended this celebration for the last nine years," commented young adult Moata Abdulmajid.

"To me, this event embodies my heritage, it reflects the pride and importance of my people."

Gentlemen, ladies, the senior citizens and the youth all take part, adorned in striking garments and ornaments.

They chant, dance, share stories and place recently harvested green plants and floral arrangements in the water - denoting vitality, renewal and hope.

International Presence

The celebration does not only attract participants from across Ethiopia, visitors come from internationally.

"I attended the previous year - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I brought my children with me now," expressed one visitor, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.

"It's incredible. Everybody welcomes you, each person offers affection and says welcome."

Celebration Timeline

The first day of the celebration occurred on Saturday in the main city. On the following day, participants made their way to Bishoftu, a small town close to the urban center.

While the festival has its roots in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the majority of the Oromo people, irrespective of their faith.

Recent Trends

In the last ten years, the number of people attending the festival has increased dramatically. This is in part thanks to the rise of social media, where numerous younger generation document their attire, traditional dances and vocal performances during the gathering.

Past Context

In the past, this event was used as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about systemic disadvantages.

Nonetheless, this year's celebration took place calmly, with an emphasis on joy, unity and ethnic identity.