The Independence Day in Sri Lanka is celebrated annually on the 4th February. The Independence Day celebration has always been observed and regarded as a very special national event celebrated with ceremonies, military parades, flag-hoisting, pageants and many other activities. The main celebrations take place in the largest city, Colombo, where the President hoists the national flag and delivers a speech which is nationally televised. The cultural pageant includes more than 500 dancers and musicians performing a mix of multi-cultural dances and music of Sri Lanka.