North Korea is holding a wide variety of commemorative events and performances on April 15th, known as the Day of the Sun, the holiday that marks former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung’s birthday.

This year marks the 99th year since he was born.

North Koreans went to pay their respects to the statue of Kim Il-sung at Mansudae in Pyongyang from early in the morning. North Korean broadcasters are airing documentaries that glorify the late dictator all day.

North Korea’s state-run media are reporting that nations with friendly ties, including China, Russia and Mongolia, have sent artists to participate in artistic festivals and that other commemorative events are being held around the nation.

Each administrative unit, school and organization is holding events celebrating the day, including holding rallies and artistic and cultural performances.

A Unification Ministry official in Seoul said that the level of preparations that the North is making for its biggest holiday this year is similar to that seen in previous years.