Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopia's largest ethnic group have been celebrating in the capital Addis Ababa at the start of an annual thanksgiving festival. Security was high on Saturday, with a visible presence from security forces including snipers, for Irreecha, celebrated by the Oromo people to mark the start of the harvest season. Thousands of people dressed in traditional white costumes arrived in buses, cars and by foot from all over the Oromia region to celebrate on the streets of the capital with dancing, singing and flag waving. The Ethiopian Federal Police said nine people were arrested on the eve of the festival for attempting to smuggle weapons into the capital. The festival is usually held in Bishoftu, a town located in the Oromia region, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Addis Ababa.

Source: Ethiopian News October 06, 2019 09:45 UTC