Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday with a high-level national ceremony in Mogadishu, featuring a grand military parade and aerial displays by the Somali Air Force. Two major cultural events are taking place this weekend, bringing thousands to Minneapolis. For video licensing inquiries, contact: licensing@veritone.com Find tickets & information for 2025 Somali Independence Day Celebration. happening at Litchfield Avenue SW, Downtown Willmar, MN, Willmar, MN on Sat, 28 Jun, 2025 at 03:00 pm CDT. Somali Independence Day brought together the Willmar community for a celebration downtown on Saturday, June 28, 2025. It is observed July 1 in Somalia. Singer Sabir Ali Hersi performs for a crowd Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joined local celebrations of Somali Independence Day over the weekend, addressing the crowd in the Somali language. Video shared from the gathering shows the mayor greeting attendees from the stage and delivering brief remarks in Somali to mark the 65th anniversary of Somalia’s independen.. The festivities on Lake Street and around the state celebrate Somali Independence Day, which is July 1. On that day in 1960, the northern and southern regions of Somalia united and established the Republic of Somalia, breaking from British and Italian colonial rule. Sixty-five years later, Minnesotans can celebrate Somali culture at events in the Twin Cities, Rochester, Owatonna and St. Cloud. June 29 | Somali Independence Day Festival | Lake Street. Celebrate Somali Independence Day with music, food, and games at this annual family-friendly street festival. July 26-27 | Twin Cities Carifest | West Broadway. An annual celebration of Caribbean arts and culture in Minnesota. August 1-11 | Fringe Fest | Cedar Riverside & Central Avenue Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia marked its 65th Independence and Unity Day on Tuesday with a grand military parade in the capital, Mogadishu, under heightened security. Thousands of residents lined the streets to witness the colorful celebrations that showcased the country’s military strength, cultural pride, and renewed national spirit. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the Independence Day is a national holiday occurring annually on 26 June, but observed in Somalia on July 1. The date celebrates the unification of the Trust Territory of Somalia and the State of Somaliland into the Somali Republic on June 26, 1960. Find tickets & information for Somali independence Day Festival. happening at Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN on Sat, 28 Jun, 2025 at 11:30 am CDT. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. They joined tens of thousands who turned out Saturday for the Somali Day Festival on Lake Street, the culmination of a week of events celebrating Somali Independence Day, including an international soccer tournament, a town hall with Somali politicians, a multigenerational concert at the Ordway, and cultural events around the state. These annual celebrations commemorate Somalia's independence from colonial rule. They encompass: Parades and Public Speeches: Often featuring local leaders and community figures who evoke national pride and unity. Twin Cities Pride and Somali Independence Day are bringing an air of celebration to the city. SCRIPT MOGADISHU, SOMALIA (JULY 1, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF HELICOPTERS FLYING OVER PARADE AREA 2. VARIOUS OF MILITARY PARADEMOGADISHU, SOMALIA - JULY 1, 2025: Somalia on Tuesday, July 1, marked the 65th anniversary of its Independence and Unification Day with a large-scale military parade in the capital, Mogadishu. Uniformed troops marched through the streets as Somali Somali Independence Day Festival. Somali Week will shut down a stretch of one of the busiest streets in Minneapolis to celebrate Somali Independence Day. The festival will include performances, family activities, food booths and other vendors. Date: Saturday, June 29. Time: 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Somalia marked its 65th Independence Day on Monday with one of the most elaborate celebrations seen in recent years. The government organized a large-scale event featuring military parades, modern equipment displays, and air shows over Mogadishu. All branches of the armed forces participated, as Somali Independence Day Festival. Somali Week will shut down a stretch of one of Minneapolis’ busiest streets to celebrate Somali Independence Day. The festival will include performances, family activities, food booths and other vendors. Date: Saturday, June 29. Time: 1 to 10:30 p.m. Location: W. Lake Street between Blaisdell and Stevens avenues Somali Week is an event hosted by Rising Impact, a non-profit that focuses on supporting Somali youth. The week includes events that focus on learning, exploring and celebrating Somali culture. The week also is a way to celebrate Somali Independence Day, which is on July 1. Organized by the Independence Day Organizing Committee, chaired by H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, the event brings together government officials and community members in unity and pride. The national celebrations were joined by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and other senior officials.
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