The story
Gabon Independence Day Celebrations in Libreville/national
Gabon's Independence Day, marking the country's 1960 break from France, centres on a Libreville military parade before the president, followed by public speeches and evening fireworks. Beyond the official ceremony, streets fill with informal music, food stalls and family gatherings across the national public holiday.
Gabon marks its independence from France, achieved on 17 August 1960 under first president Leon Mba, with a national holiday centred on Libreville and mirrored by smaller official observances in provincial capitals across the country.