Happy 26!

The red carpets are out, the brass band is playing, the performers are getting ready, ladies with glamorous dresses are trooping in and cameras are flashing. The whole event felt a bit like an African Oscar party. Craning our necks, we spotted the arrival of the special guests for this occasion – one by one, former presidents of various African republics, including Monzambique, Benin, Namibia, Botswana and Ghana, appeared. Finally, the President of Liberia also arrived and kicked off this big ceremony consisting of speeches, prayers, cultural performances, bestowment of honours, football games and cocktail receptions.

Independence Day Celebrations kick off in Margibi County

Why this extravaganza? Well, on 26^th July each year, Liberia celebrates its Independence Day. Liberians take this occassion very seriously, and this year marks the 161th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Liberia. A different county is in charge of hosting the official celebrations each year, and this time, the festivities are held in Kakata in Margibi County. These celebrations consist of a full week of events, starting off with an intercessory service, then visits by the President to various development projects in the county, culminating in a big ceremony held on the 26^th itself. On this day, it is customary for Liberians to spend time with family, dress their children up in new clothing, exchange gifts with friends and attend social gatherings and entertainment events. Liberian food, needless to say, plays an important role in the celebrations. These typically include dishes of rice, palm butter, potato greens, fufu and dumboy (both of which consists of pounded root vegetables), accompanied by palm wine and bottles of Liberian Club Beer. Although it was a privilege to be able to attend the formal ceremony, the informal celebrations which my colleagues described to me definitely sounded more fun and relaxed.

Aside from providing a good excuse for throwing big fufu parties, Independence Day is more importantly, an opportunity for Liberians of different counties, ethnic origins and religions to come together to celebrate. In her speech, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf half-jokingly commented that this is the first time in recent years that there has been sunshine on Independence Day. This must signal brighter days ahead for this 161 year-old nation.