The flag of Chad has three vertical stripes: blue on the left, gold in the middle, and red on the right. Blue represents the sky and water, gold stands for the sun and the sands of the desert, and red is for the energy and spirit of the Chadian people. On Independence Day, flags appear everywhere — on buildings, in windows, and carried proudly through the streets.
In the capital city N'Djamena, the celebrations include a big parade with music, colourful costumes and performances by groups from across the country. Because Chad is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups, the festival is a chance to see and hear an incredible variety of traditional music, dance and dress all in one place — a beautiful patchwork of cultures.
Schools and communities often hold their own celebrations too — children perform songs and poems, and families prepare special food to share with neighbours. For young Chadians, Independence Day is a time to feel connected to the whole country and to everyone in it, even those who live far away in very different landscapes.