DPRK celebrates the founding of nation's ruling Workers' Party

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) marked the 72nd anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers' Party on Tuesday. The day saw people expressing their loyalty and respect to the Party and celebratory events throughout the nation held by work units and other social groups.

Soldiers applaud during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the election of former DPRK leader Kim Jong Il, in portrait, as general secretary of the Workers' Party, which is the founding and ruling party of DPRK, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. Words beneath portrait say: "Eternal General Secretary of Our Party."

Tuesday's anniversary was observed in a simple way, as groups of people in neighborhoods around Pyongyang went out to dance and sing in open spaces. Crowds gathered to watch the singing and dancing.

October 10 is a national public holiday in the DPRK, and citizens got time off work to spend time with their families. Many people stuck to the most formal expressions of respect on Tuesday.

The DPRK typically only puts on major events for big number anniversaries, which are celebrated at five year intervals.

(CGTN)