Independence Day celebrations begin with official ceremonies where the national flag is raised and the national anthem is sung. The flag of Equatorial Guinea is made of three horizontal stripes - green, white, and red - with a blue triangle on the left side and a coat of arms in the centre that shows a silk cotton tree, which is a symbol of the country. Children learn the flag's colours and what they mean as part of their national identity.
After the official ceremonies, the celebrations become joyful and festive. In Malabo and Bata and in towns across the mainland, street parades fill the roads with dancers in traditional costumes, drummers, and flag-bearers. Communities from different ethnic groups - the Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, Bujeba, and others - each perform their own traditional dances and music, creating a rich showcase of all the cultures that make up the country.
Schools play an important role in Independence Day celebrations. Children rehearse songs, dances, and recitations for weeks beforehand and then perform in front of families and the community. It is often a child's first experience of performing for a large audience, and for many it is a memory they keep for life.
Food is at the heart of the celebrations too. Families cook special meals, neighbours share dishes, and market stalls sell roasted corn, fried plantain, fresh fish, and sweets. The day is a reminder that the country's strength comes from the many different peoples and traditions living together in one place.