September 16 is Independence day in Papua New Guinea, and arguably the greatest celebration on the country’s calendar.

At Pacific Adventist University the day started long before sunrise.  Some of the students stayed up all night preparing for the day’s activities.

This is the stage where the celebrations were to take place – but it is still an hour from sunrise.  The next picture is the first person getting ready for the festivities.

There was a parade soon after dawn.

Some students dressed up as mudmen and joined the parade.

One of the students getting his lunch.

It was indeed a very joyous occasion.  Being in Papua New Guinea on Independence Day is indeed a great experience.