Colour, beauty and joy climaxes Irreecha festival of Ethiopia’s Oromo tribe [Photos]

Irreecha is a thanksgiving religious holiday celebrated by the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, the Oromo.

Celebrated twice in a year at the end of September or early October as well as during the beginning of the rainy season, the day is set aside to thank Waaqaa (God) for his blessings and protection the previous year and also welcome the new season which is characterized with bountiful harvests.

The ceremony takes place at Lake Hora-Harsadi in the East Shewa Zone of Ethiopia which is where the Oromos predominantly reside. The occasion is marked with a procession where celebrants hold freshly cut grass which they eventually throw into the lake to give thanks to Waaqaa.

Below are some colourful and beautiful photos shared by celebrants on social media: