Irreecha Festival: Selfies, Songs, and Unity as Ethiopians Mark Thanksgiving

The air crackled with an infectious energy, a symphony of joyous chants and the ubiquitous click of smartphone cameras. This year's Irreecha festival, the thanksgiving celebration of the Oromo people in Ethiopia, was a breathtaking spectacle of faith, culture, and a remarkable blend of the ancient and the modern. From the serene shores of Bishoftu's crater lakes to the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, millions gathered, their faces alight with gratitude and a profound sense of belonging. What struck many observers, beyond the traditional rituals, was the vibrant embrace of contemporary expressions of joy – the ubiquitous selfie and the spontaneous eruption of song.

A Tapestry of Tradition and Modernity

Irreecha, a thanksgiving festival with roots stretching back centuries, is a time for the Oromo people to express their gratitude to Waaqa (God) for the blessings of the past year and to pray for prosperity in the year to come. The festival is intrinsically linked to nature, with water bodies and the changing seasons holding deep spiritual significance. Traditionally, participants adorn themselves in colourful traditional attire, sprinkle themselves with water, and offer prayers and thanksgiving. This year, these time-honoured customs were not just preserved; they were amplified by a new generation’s digital fluency.

As crowds swelled around Lake Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu, a popular pilgrimage site, the scene was a captivating mosaic of vibrant colours. Women in intricately woven shawls and men in traditional tunics moved with a graceful rhythm. Yet, amidst the solemn prayers and the sprinkling of blessed water, a different kind of ritual was unfolding. Everywhere you looked, hands were raised, not just in prayer, but to capture the moment. Selfies, a universal symbol of our connected age, were being taken by the thousands. Friends posed together, families documented their pilgrimage, and individuals sought to immortalize their participation in this significant cultural event. It was a beautiful juxtaposition – ancient spiritual practices seamlessly interwoven with the tools of the 21st century.

“It’s important to share this with the world, isn’t it?” remarked a young woman named Amina, her eyes sparkling as she adjusted her phone for a selfie with her friends. “Our traditions are so rich, and with these phones, we can show everyone how beautiful Irreecha is. It makes me feel even more connected, both to my culture and to my friends who might not be here.” This sentiment echoed throughout the festival grounds. The selfie, often criticized for its narcissism, here seemed to serve a powerful communal purpose – a way to document shared experiences, to affirm collective identity, and to extend the celebratory spirit beyond the physical gathering.

The Unifying Power of Song

Beyond the visual documentation, music played an equally vital role in the festival’s atmosphere. While traditional Oromo music, characterized by its rhythmic drumming and evocative melodies, filled the air, there was also a palpable sense of spontaneous singing. As people gathered, particularly in the moments leading up to and following the main prayers, voices would rise in unison, singing traditional hymns and contemporary songs of praise. These weren't curated performances; they were organic expressions of collective emotion, a spontaneous outpouring of joy and spiritual fervor.

Witnessing these moments was truly moving. A group of elders, their faces etched with wisdom, began a slow, resonant chant, and almost immediately, younger attendees joined in, their voices blending in a powerful chorus. It was a testament to the enduring strength of their cultural heritage, a living, breathing tradition passed down through generations, yet embraced with fresh enthusiasm. The singing wasn’t just entertainment; it was a form of spiritual communion, a way to amplify prayers and to strengthen the bonds of community.

“When we sing together, it’s like our prayers are stronger,” explained a farmer named Beyene, his voice hoarse from singing. “It’s a feeling of oneness. You look around, and everyone is singing the same words, feeling the same gratitude. It washes away all the worries of the year and makes you feel ready for what’s next.” This sense of collective catharsis and spiritual renewal is at the heart of Irreecha, and the act of singing together seemed to be a potent catalyst for achieving it.

A Symbol of Resilience and Unity

This year’s Irreecha festival held particular significance, occurring in a period of both national reflection and burgeoning hope for Ethiopia. The Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in the country, have long been central to Ethiopia’s social and political fabric. The festival, therefore, is not just a religious observance but also a powerful affirmation of Oromo identity and a symbol of their enduring resilience.

The large turnout and the palpable sense of joy and unity were a powerful message. In a nation that has faced its share of challenges, the ability of millions to come together in such a spirit of thanksgiving and collective celebration is remarkable. The presence of people from diverse backgrounds, even beyond the Oromo community, who participated in or observed the festivities, further underscored the festival's growing role as a unifier for all Ethiopians.

The BBC report highlighted how the festival has increasingly become a national event, drawing participants and attention from across the country and beyond. This expansion reflects not only the growing recognition of Oromo culture but also a broader desire for shared cultural experiences and moments of national cohesion. The selfies, in a way, become digital postcards of this unity, shared across social networks and broadcasting the message of peace and togetherness far and wide.

The Future of Tradition

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the lakes of Bishoftu, the celebrations continued. The echoes of singing mingled with the laughter of children and the gentle murmur of conversations. The images captured on countless phone screens – the vibrant colours, the smiling faces, the shared moments of prayer and song – will serve as cherished memories. But more importantly, they will serve as a testament to a tradition that is not static, but dynamic and evolving. Irreecha, with its embrace of selfies and spontaneous singing, demonstrates how ancient spiritual practices can not only survive but thrive in the modern world, finding new avenues for expression and deepening their relevance for generations to come. It’s a beautiful reminder that gratitude, community, and joy are timeless, and that the ways we express them can be as diverse and vibrant as the people who celebrate them.