Botswana turned 50 yesterday. Months of hype surrounding the southern African nation's golden jubilee celebrations culminated in thousands of Batswana gathering at the National Stadium in Gaborone to celebrate half a century of independence.

Indeed, BOT50 was a birthday party for the ages.

In the series of photos below, Botswana-based photographer Uyapo Ketogetswe takes us behind the scenes at Botswana’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Stadium in Gaborone, beginning with Thursday evening's opening ceremony and leading into Friday’s Independence Day festivities.

Happy birthday, Botswana!

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.