Describe a national holiday that you celebrated

I'd like to talk about Independence Day, which we celebrate in Uzbekistan on the first of September. Last year I spent it in Tashkent with my cousins, and it was one of the most enjoyable holidays I can remember.

In the morning, we got up quite early and went to the city centre, where there was a large celebration. The streets were decorated with flags, and there were stages where singers and dancers performed in colourful traditional costumes. Children ran around with small flags painted on their cheeks, and food stalls sold everything from ice cream to fresh samsa. We walked around for a few hours, listening to the music and taking photos.

After lunch, we went back home, where my aunt had prepared a big meal. Several neighbours dropped in, and the adults talked about how much the country has changed over the last thirty years. In the evening, we went out again to see the fireworks, which lit up the entire sky. Everyone around us was looking up with big smiles.

I felt very proud and also grateful. When you live in a place every day, you sometimes forget how special it is, but on a day like that you notice how many people share the same feelings. I think national holidays are valuable because they remind us of our history and bring communities together. It was also lovely to have a day off with my family, without any rush or stress, which doesn't happen very often.