The Liberian flag looks a little like the American flag at first glance — it has red and white stripes — but with one important difference: instead of many stars, it has just one large white star in the top left corner. That lone star represents Liberia as the first independent republic in Africa, standing bright and alone. Liberians wear their flag colours proudly every Independence Day.
Celebrations begin early in the morning with church services and community gatherings. Then come the parades through Monrovia's streets — schoolchildren marching in smart uniforms, bands playing, floats decorated with palm leaves and flowers. The whole city comes alive with sound: drums, trumpets, highlife music blasting from speakers, and the cheering of the crowd.
Food is a central part of the festivities. Families and communities prepare large feasts of jollof rice, palm butter and rice, cassava leaf stew, fried plantain and all kinds of special treats. People share food with neighbours and anyone passing by — generosity and hospitality are an important part of how Liberians celebrate together.