Festivities begin on the 14th of September, precisely at 6pm when the national anthem is broadcast and everyone sings along. We could hear singing and talking, and didn't know what was going on until, Cecilia, our landlord told us. She invited Kimia to go watch the parade in the evening down the street with a marching band and kids carrying homemade lanterns which symbolizes the original freedom torch and then there are fireworks that could be seen from the front of the apartment. This is just the beginning.
On Independence day there are parades in every city with marching bands, children dancing, typical dances, floats and different organisations in the community. We learned that those who have the best grades get to march in the parade showing their pride for their school. All ages participate, dressed in the traditional dresses from all the provinces or in their school uniform.
We took an uber to the bus station and then a bus to San Ramon, where we met up with Ligia, Kathleen and a few of their friends and found a spot to watch the parade. It was a very, very, very long...but fun to see. Streets lined with people and children celebrating the day of independence, what a joy it was to see how another country celebrates.
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