Namibia is one of Africa's younger countries — it was only founded in 1990, making it younger than many of the people who live there today! When Independence Day comes around, Namibians feel a special kind of pride because the country is still young and growing, and many people remember the moment it was born. The national colours of blue, red, green and white fill streets, buildings and people's clothing.
The main celebration is held in the capital city, Windhoek, where a grand ceremony takes place at Independence Stadium. The President gives a speech, military and school bands march in formation, and thousands of people sing the national anthem together. The flag of Namibia — featuring a golden sun, diagonal stripes of blue, red and green, and a white stripe — flies everywhere.
Across the country, communities hold their own local celebrations with music, food, sport and dance. Schools organise cultural shows where children perform traditional songs and dances from their different ethnic groups. It is a day when Namibia's enormous cultural diversity is celebrated and enjoyed rather than set aside.
For children, Independence Day often means a holiday from school, special foods, fireworks in the evening, and a feeling of belonging to something larger than yourself. Many Namibian children write essays or create art projects about what Namibia means to them, and some of these are displayed in public spaces around the country.