Korea, N 25 Apr 2014 04:00
April 15th in North Korea marks the national holiday of "The Day of the Sun" which commemorates the birth of the countries founder Kim Il-Sung. Across Pyongyang celebrations and performances were held to mark the occasion. Children preformed with almost prodigal talent at the Pyongyang Childrens Palace; a place where grade school children come after school to practice artistic skills. Foreign performers from countries like Russia and Mongolia held a "Spring Friendship Art Festival" in the Pyongyang Grand Theatre to a crowd that included North Korean members of parliament. The finale of "The Day of the Sun" was marked by a grand 20 minute firework display over the Taedong River. When I asked one of my government minders why no military parades are held on that date anymore, he replied with a laugh. "We don't want the world thinking that's all we do here" The photographer visited North Korea (DPRK) in April, 2014.