50th Independence Day Parade on September 22, 2010.

Arriving to a parade celebrating Mali’s 50th Anniversary of Independence from France

Bamako is a city of entrepreneurs.  Unemployment is high and people scratch out a living any way they can.  These women brought various products to the parade to sell.  It is generally women who run these micro food-based businesses and you see them on the streets of all commercial areas.

People lining the parade route

The message being sent seems to be: Your government is powerful.

 

Me taking in the parade.

 

Ocean no.  Navy yes.  There were trucks towing jet skis too.  Anything to demonstrate power I suppose.

 

We can even protect you from yourselves.

These boys followed us for a few minutes.  Rebecca took their picture.  It made them very happy.

A better view.

 

I'm told this is a traditional outfit, which seems clear, though what tradition, I'm not sure.

 

Several impressive motorcycle stunt riders rode through and this is one example.  They're all standing on just a couple motorcycles.

Look closely for the camels in the above two photos.

More climbing for a view

The troops march by

Scooters carry three people when they're moving too.

More troops.

Our friends Callie, Ross, and their baby Rowan.  Ross had the tailor, who's office is in what should be our garage, make those cute matching outfits for him and Rowan.

It was a hot day.  In Mali, men do not wear shorts.

Crowd scene.  Those muffins on that woman's head are for sale.

Green, gold, and red are the colors of Mali's flag. (Green already passed us by.)

Watching the air show.  See below for two videos.

 

This tree provided shade for some and a viewing platform for others.

What you can't see is that the parade is actually on a very new 8-lane paved, divided, and lanscaped boulevard.  Not much development around it, but the road itself is nice.

Below are a couple videos from the parade.

Helicopters

Jets