Burkina Faso was formerly known as Upper Volta when it was under French rule. On 5 August 1960, the country officially became independent, meaning it was free to govern itself. The name Burkina Faso was adopted later, in 1984, and means 'Land of Incorruptible People' — a name that reflects how proud the people are of their honesty and integrity.
On Independence Day, the main celebrations take place in Ouagadougou. There are military parades, traditional dance performances, and displays of cultural costumes from different ethnic groups across the country. The many peoples of Burkina Faso — including the Mossi, Bobo, Lobi, Fulani, Gurunsi and others — all bring their own traditions to the national celebration.
In schools and communities across the country, children take part in special performances, songs and activities. Traditional instruments like the balafon and doundoun drums fill the air with music. People wear the national colours — red, green and yellow — and the streets become a living tapestry of sound and colour.
Independence Day is a reminder of shared identity and national pride. It is a day when Burkina Faso celebrates not just its history but its rich mixture of cultures, languages and traditions — the many different peoples who together make up one nation. More than 60 different languages are spoken across the country.