Brazil marks its 203rd Independence Day and the end of more than three centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in 1822, in Brasilia on Sunday, September 7.

The main celebration takes place on the Ministries Esplanade, where President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joins government officials, senior military officers and foreign ambassadors for a civic-military parade.

The parade is set to feature military formations, veterans and civilian groups, drawing thousands of spectators. Similar parades and cultural events are held across state capitals and major cities, including Sao Paulo.