An independence referendum was held in the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas on 8 May 1977 alongside elections for a Constituent Assembly.

Independence Day is associated with military parades, fireworks, concerts, fairs, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history and culture of Djibouti.

The main Independence Day ceremony takes place in Djibouti City, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential palace and the president lays a wreath at the Monument of Martyrs, holds a military parade with different regiments of the Djiboutian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations which is broadcast nationwide on television and radio.

A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and Djiboutians hoist the national flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire, with shops decorating their windows in the blue, green, white and the red star of the Djiboutian flag.

During this special week, Radio Television of Djibouti (RTD) schedule is sprinkled with documentaries from the struggle for independence to remind the population of the heavy sacrifice paid to liberate the country.