Thousands gathered in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, to celebrate the East African country’s thanksgiving festival, which is celebrated annually by the largest ethnic group, the Oromos, who were donning mostly white traditional attire.

The Irreecha festival is held to thank God, whom the Oromos call Waaqa.

Some still practice the traditional Waaqqeffannaa, which is the worship of Waaqa.

Representing approximately a third of Ethiopia’s nearly 130 million population, the Oromo people use this annual festival to preach peace and unity.

There was increased security in the city before the festival, after the one in 2016 turned violent.

Attendees at the time used the festival to hold anti-federal government protests and clashed with security forces, leading to a stampede that left more than 50 people dead.

That deadly festival gave birth to new leadership, which saw current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, born in the Oromia region, rise to power.

Ahmed said Saturday that this year’s Irreecha comes after the country inaugurated the Grand Renaissance Dam, which “doubles our joy.”

The majority of Oromos believe that they were denied the right to practice and promote their traditions by authorities in the past, including Emperor Menelik II, Emperor Haile Selassie and the military-Marxist Derg government.

Following protracted struggles and immense sacrifices, the Irreecha festival was revived in the late 1990s, when the Derg was toppled.

Now, with Abiy as the country’s first Oromo leader, many Oromos feel more empowered to promote their culture.

But despite being Oromo, Abiy faces growing criticism from some within the community, who argue he hasn't done enough for them.

AP video shot by Amanuel Gebremedhin Birhane