Forty-eight years ago, on August 6, 1962, the British Union Jack was lowered inside the National Stadium, and for the first time, the Jamaican flag was hoisted signalling the birth of an independent nation.

Fast-forward to 2010 and Jamaicans are expected to go out in their numbers for this year’s observances. The highlight of the celebrations are centred around capital city Kingston, however, throughout the island there will be events to mark the Independence anniversary. The major events in Kingston comprise the Independence Street parade and the Grand Gala.

The Parade is set to commence at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and will move along a prescribed route through the city and will feature various uniformed and costumed groups as part of the convoy which is set to start at 12 noon.

The other major event is the Grand Gala at the National Stadium. Costumed groups, electrifying performers, traditional groups, festival song winners and marching bands are all expected to take to the stage to celebrate independence. In Kingston, the independence day activities will be capped by the Independence Street Dance in Half-Way-Tree.

Meanwhile, across the island a number of activities have been scheduled to mark the celebrations. Over in the second city, Montego Bay, the day’s activities will commence with the Independence Day Parade at Sam Sharpe Square starting at 10:00 am, followed by the Western Jamaica Gala at the Dump Up Beach, in that city at 12 noon.

Other activities not directly related to the independence celebrations but taking place today include, the hip-hop dancehall show, Fully Loaded which takes place at The Old Coal Wharf Port Royal, and features Ricky Blaze, Tony Matterhorn, Bass Odyssey, Black Kat, Boom, Vertex, Sky Juice, Renaissance, ZJ Liquid, Bambino, DJ Shine, Flava Squad. Radio station, Fame FM hosts its Beach Fiesta at Sugarman’s Beach, Portmore. For Jamaicans on the country’s north coast, there is the party, Disturbia, Club Jamaica Jamaica in St Ann, featuring Elephant Man, Ishawna, Foota Hype, Bass Odyssey and DJ Pele. Lovers of old school music can also check out Yesterday, The Independence-Day Edition, to be held at Kingston’s Mas Camp.

Jamaicans have been urged to wear the national colours — black, gold and green — as they go out to celebrate this independence day. This years celebrations are being stage under the theme I Believe in Jamaica.