Malawian communities in the United States of America on Saturday held double Independence Day celebrations for Malawi and their host nation, the United States.
The US commemorates its independence on July 4, two days before Malawi’s Independence Day on July 6.
Organisers in Indiana and Washington State said they chose Saturday because it was convenient for many people while also taking advantage of the US Independence Day celebrations.
In Indiana, Malawians organised a series of activities, starting with interdenominational prayers hosted by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in South Bend.
Organising committee chairperson Martin Chiphwanya said the celebrations also included a football match before the main event at The Bend Lounge on Saturday evening.
“We thought Saturday, being convenient for many people, was the best day to celebrate Malawi’s Independence Day, which falls on Monday (yesterday). We also wanted to celebrate US Independence Day because this too is our home,” he said.
Chiphwanya said Malawi’s outgoing Ambassador to the US Esmie Chombo, a retired judge of the High Court of Malawi, was among those expected to attend the event.
In Washington State, the Malawi-Washington Association organised a red-carpet event in Lynnwood in the evening, which attracted over 100 Malawians. The event featured food, music and dances.
In an interview, Malawi-Washington Association chairperson Mphatso Namwali also said the timing of the event worked to the advantage of members.
“Most of our members feel comfortable on weekends. We usually do it a weekend before or after to accord many an opportunity to attend. July 4 gives us a double celebration as the US commemorates its own day,” he said.
Across the US, Independence Day celebrations were also underway, with fireworks displays taking place in several cities as the country marked 250 years of independence.
Chiphwanya said there are about 5000 Malawians living in Indiana, while Namwali said the association’s register has about 1 500 members.
