On Independence Day, towns hold parades and gala events. Schools put on shows where children sing the national anthem and perform traditional dances from different parts of the country - Shona dances, Ndebele dances, Tonga dances. People often wear clothing in the national colours: green, yellow, red, black and white, the colours of the Zimbabwean flag.
Football and cricket matches are organised across the country. The President usually gives a speech and lights a flame. In the evening, families gather for food - big shared meals with sadza, grilled meat and vegetable relishes - and there are fireworks in the big cities.
Schools play a big role. In the weeks leading up to Independence Day, children learn about Zimbabwe's history, geography and people. Many schools hold poetry and art contests with Zimbabwe as the theme. Kids draw flags, paint Victoria Falls, sing in the school choir or perform dances they have learned from grandparents.
Another important day in Zimbabwe is Heroes Day, held every second Monday in August. It honours people from Zimbabwean history who worked for the country. Together, Independence Day and Heroes Day are how Zimbabwe takes time to look at itself in the mirror and celebrate what it has built.