The day begins with official ceremonies in Freetown, the capital, where the President addresses the nation and the Sierra Leonean flag - green, white and blue - is raised with great ceremony. The green represents the country's rich agriculture and forests, the white stands for peace, and the blue reflects the natural harbour at Freetown.
Across Sierra Leone, the day is filled with colour and sound. Schools hold special performances, children parade in their uniforms, and community bands play music in the streets. Families gather for meals of their favourite Sierra Leonean dishes - jollof rice, cassava leaves, groundnut stew - and the atmosphere is festive from morning to night.
Independence Day is a time for Sierra Leoneans to feel proud of who they are and where they come from. People wear the national colours of green, white and blue, and the country's motto - 'Unity, Freedom, Justice' - is remembered and celebrated. For children, it is one of the most exciting days of the year: parades, festivities, food and the pride of belonging to Sierra Leone.