Ireechaa is one of the centuries-old thanksgiving celebrations in Ethiopia. Nature adorns itself with its trade mark color of green and sprinkles colors from the rainbow over that background during spring. Spring also marks the end of the gloomy days of winter and heralds the beginning of the era of beauty. The Oromo people come together to praise Waaqaa, the Almighty God, for renewing life and refreshing nature. Embellished in cultural attire and flowers, they ceremonially march to the Hora, water body, near them.

Meskel is one of the holidays in Ethiopia that is celebrated in a unique euphoric way. Despite the nationwide celebrations, some communities designate the holiday an elevated status than the rest. In such communities, Meskel is a time for people to get back to their homelands and spend some quality time with relatives and loved ones. Celebrated with special food and drinks, Meskel has assumed a notable socio-economic role in many communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, disrupted the tradition in some of these areas. EBR’s Ermias Mulugeta looks into the relatively somber celebrations this year.