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Somalia celebrated the 52nd anniversary of its independence on Sunday (July 1st) with festivities held across the country.

Celebrations included popular and family events, folkloric performances and the serving of traditional Somali dishes. Some of the country's most famous musicians performed in concerts held in hotels across Mogadishu, while Lido Beach hosted many sporting events and traditional performances. Fireworks also lit up the skies of the capital.

In cities and towns such as Hawo, Baidoa, Beledweyne, Afmadow, Adado, Galkayo, Garowe and Bosaso, residents took to the streets to express their patriotism, waving the light blue Somali flag.

Festivities were also held at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, Konis Stadium -- the former training ground for al-Shabaab before they were forced out last year -- and Villa Baidoa, a military base of the Somali army.

In a speech delivered at the presidential palace in front of government officials, foreign ambassadors and Mogadishu residents, Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed expressed pride in his country and praised the military's accomplishments over al-Shabaab in past months.

He said al-Shabaab and other al-Qaeda-linked groups have been militarily, financially and ideologically defeated after espousing violence and fighting in the name of Islam.

"We value the lives of our martyrs that died so our country could be proud and free. We will not squander this opportunity to restore our government and the honour of our country and to expel the rogue al-Shabaab group," Ahmed said.

"Islam came to Somalia in peace and through wisdom and benevolent preaching. It did not come through war and the power of the sword," he said. "We are proud of our religion and we will not accept Islam being tarnished by hatred and shedding of innocent blood as there is no place in Islam for persecution and violence."

Aweys Sheikh Haddad, director general of the Ministry of Labour, Youth and Sports, said his ministry authorised a two-day vacation for its employees to relax and celebrate the national holiday.

He told Sabahi that participating in Independence Day celebrations is considered a national duty.

Haddad added that the festivities show appreciation for the founders of the Somali Youth League that led the country towards freedom and independence.

Somali embassies in capitals around the world, such as in Nairobi, Khartoum, Juba, Cairo, Johannesburg, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Sanaa, Riyadh, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Manama and Muscat, also held Independence Day celebrations.

Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Noor hosted a large event in which thousands of Somalis attended, and included a performance from the Waaberi musical group. The event was attended by political and religious figures as well as security and union leaders who congratulated the ambassador and the embassy staff.

On June 26th, 1960, the northern part of the country, which was a British protectorate, officially declared independence from the United Kingdom. Five days later, the southern part of the country that was under Italian control followed suit. On July 1st, 1960, the two territories united to form the Somali Republic.