Thousands of Lebanese protesters march at Independence Day parade
The demonstrators gathered in central Beirut and called for a new government of independent technocrats, nearly a month after street protests prompted the government to resign.
They also demanded the removal of the country's ruling elite, whom protesters accuse of mismanagement and corruption.
"All of them, means all of them," the crowd chanted.
Hundreds of Lebanese families, many carrying their children, converged on the heart of the capital, many waving or wearing the red and white Lebanese flag.
Fathers and mothers with small children walked and sang "Lebanon will be rebuilt again," an old patriotic song.
Demonstrators from across Lebanon chanted "God bless our army," and some carried pictures of the military commander, in appreciation of the army's protection of protestors since the rallies started in October.
Some expatriates who live in Europe and the Gulf states returned to Lebanon to join the "civil parade" and support the anti-government protesters.
"I came from Brussels to be in the country and with fellow Lebanese people on this day," said Mira Jirmanous.
The parade included self-styled battalions representing mothers, teachers, craftsmen, women's rights advocates, the unemployed and a musical band using pots and pans for instruments.
Many wore T-shirts bearing the words "I am a free Lebanese."
Lebanon traditionally celebrates its independence from France by holding a military parade in central Beirut, attended by top politicians and army generals.
This year, the event was marked by a low-profile military parade held at the Defence Ministry in north-eastern Beirut attended by President Michel Aoun, parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker premier Saad Hariri.
Street protests erupted in Lebanon on October 17 amid a deepening economic crisis.
"I came with my children and grandchildren to be part of this national ceremony, as truly we feel today that no matter what, we will reach our goal," said Roula, a mother of two.
The country's deteriorating economic situation has affected many companies, which have either let employees go or cut people's salaries.
Earlier on Friday, followers of the Lebanese pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah stormed the protesters' camp at Martyr Square where the parade was held, pulled down tents and torched a statue emblazoned with the word "Revolution."
"They think that if they burn our statue, which shows a fist in the air, they will stop us. We tell them a new statue is now on its way to the square to replace the one they torched," said Rabih, a protester.
When the new statue arrived at the square, it was received by protesters raising their fists and chanting, "God bless the revolution."
Political wrangling between rival groups has delayed the formation of a new government.
