Brazil celebrated 149 years of independence from portuguese rule on Tuesday (7 September) with a mammoth parade of 25,000 servicemen. With displays of military equipment, they marched in procession down the wide President Vargas Avenue in Rio de Janeiro.

Watching the parade with Brazilian President Emilio Medici was the portuguese Foreign Minister Rui Patricio, currently visiting Brazil to sign a number of agreements between the two countries. In addition, French Air Force General Martin Valin was also present and took his place with other high ranking dignitaries on the reviewing stand.

This parade was the highlight of more than one hundred and fifty different ceremonies which took place in Rio de Janeiro to celebrated National Day. Next year, the main events for the 150th anniversary will be held in the new capital of Brasilia.