Algeria on Thursday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence, with festivities and musical galas organized all over the country, dpa reported.
The 48 provinces of the nation were decorated in red and green, the national flag's colors, while parades with fanfares walked through the streets among the shouting and applaud of the population.
A big gala was conducted in the port town of Sidi Fredj, the site that saw the French forces first invade the country on June 14, 1830. The party, which was attended by senior officials including President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, was wrapped up among breath-taking fireworks.
At the Stadium of July 5 in the capital Algiers, some 7,000 youngsters and kids from the 48 provinces retraced 10 episodes of the Algerian history from the French invasion in 1830 to the Independence Day in 1962. They also performed fanfares.
Meanwhile, the Sanctuary of Martyrs in upper Algiers was the scene of spectacular fireworks performance that lighted up the night sky of the city.
Earlier Thursday, President Bouteflika paid tribute to the national Liberation War martyrs at the sanctuary. He also issued two presidential decrees on pardon for prisoners.