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When it comes to what African Liberation Day means to African countries, different people may give different answers: independence, equality, freedom, unity and happiness, just to name a few. But no doubt it is one of the most important days for a continent that had been colonized for decades. On this day every year, various celebrations are held in Africa and around the world and good wishes are sent to African leaders and celebrities from their foreign counterparts.

This year marks the 47th African Liberation Day, and on May 25, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon noted that this year's celebration has particular significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of independence of several Francophone African states and Nigeria, the continent's most populous nation. "By consistently reminding the international community of its responsibility to the most vulnerable, and affirming that we are all members of a global family of nations, Africa has helped to reshape the global agenda," he said in his letter.

Symbol of unity

Various activities were also held in China to celebrate the occasion. On May 25, a grand celebration was held in the Bridge Art Center in Beijing with Chinese officials and diplomats of over 50 African nations coming together.

Sudanese Ambassador to China and Acting Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps Mirghani Mohamed Salih spoke highly of the positive outcome of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of FOCAC.

Addressing the celebration, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo said, "African Liberation Day symbolizes unity and cooperation of Africa, bearing the good wishes of African countries and peoples in making joint efforts to seek peace and development."

Mirghani Mohamed Salih also delivered a 100,000-yuan ($14,600) donation to the Chinese Government as support toward the reconstruction in Qinghai Province's Yushu County, which was hit by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in April.

Youthful celebrations

Smaller celebrations were also held for the many African students studying in China. One such event was the "Africa Day 2010" held on May 22 in Yugong Yishan Bar in Beijing.

"This event means a lot to me. [It means] love, peace, hope, integrity, unity and harmony. Besides, it is a spiritual gathering, coming together, with a spirit of oneness to celebrate the unity of Africa, the history, the culture, the tradition, the fashion and the music of Africa," said Sunny Dada, the Ghanaian vocalist and percussionist of Afrokoko Roots, a multi-cultural outfit in Beijing.

The theme of this year's event "Promoting and Maintaining Peace in Africa through Sports" also shows the significance of Africa's role as host of the FIFA World Cup, and demonstrates the spirit of unity that guided the formation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, according to Dada.

"We are very happy to have the World Cup in Africa. Whether it is in South Africa or in other [African] countries, to me, we [are] one [and the] same," said Dada.

Mpilo Madonsela, a South African student at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, enjoyed his brief one-month stay in Beijing, celebrating African Liberation Day away from home. He regards the annual celebration as a platform to gather Africans in China together.

Cultural attraction

Through holding African Liberation Day celebrations in China, Chinese people can also gradually understand the culture of the continent. It was the first time for Zhang Peng, a Chinese music website editor to participate in the celebration.

"There are not so many African cultural [activities] here. It's a good [opportunity] for we Chinese to learn more about African culture," Zhang told ChinAfrica. He brought three of his friends to the party.

On May 25, 1963, leaders of the 32 independent African States met to form the Organization of African Unity, the forerunner of the African Union. The day was declared as African Liberation Day and is celebrated annually by Africans throughout the world.

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